NEW DELHI, JUL 3: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Friday said the alleged theft of donations from the donation boxes at the Shri Ram Lalla Temple in Ayodhya has deeply hurt the faith and sentiments of devotees, and demanded stringent punishment for those found guilty after the investigation.
In a statement posted on X, Hosabale described the incident as highly condemnable and said it had caused widespread pain and anger among the Hindu community.
“The unfortunate incident of theft in the donation boxes kept at the Shri Ram Lalla Temple in Ayodhya has deeply hurt the sentiments and faith of the entire society and Ram devotees. We are all extremely pained and angered by this event,” he said.
He asserted that it is natural for the Hindu society, including the RSS, to expect the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to treat the matter with utmost seriousness and take effective steps to rectify any shortcomings in temple management and operations.
Hosabale said that anyone found guilty after the investigation must face severe punishment and stressed the need to restore public confidence through a transparent and credible inquiry.
He also urged the temple management and the government-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) to act swiftly to end the prevailing confusion and uncertainty surrounding the case.
Claiming that “anti-Hindu and anti-national forces” were attempting to exploit the incident to malign Hindu Dharma, Hosabale appealed to the Hindu community to exercise patience and restraint while the investigation is underway.
He expressed confidence that through transparent financial management, efficient operational systems, and adherence to religious values, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust would continue to uphold the faith and trust of millions of devotees.
