RSS breaks silence on ‘highly reprehensible’ series of Ram Mandir donation thefts, demands strict punishment for culprits | Today’s news
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said on Friday that the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya has “deeply hurt” the sentiments and faith of the entire society and called for ensuring that anyone found guilty after an investigation faces severe punishment.
Hosabale alleged that “anti-Hindu and anti-national forces” were trying to defame Hindu dharma by taking advantage of “this unfortunate incident” and appealed to the entire Hindu society to exercise necessary patience and restraint at “this difficult time” to thwart such “conspiracies”.
“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 the devotees of Ram,” an RSS representative said in a statement on X.
“We are all extremely hurt and angry by this event,” he added.
This is the first statement by a senior RSS functionary, marking the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) first public intervention on the issue.
Hosabale said it was natural for the entire Hindu society, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), to expect the Trust to treat the “highly condemnable” incident as an extraordinary matter and take effective steps to correct all deficiencies in the management and operation of the temple.
It is imperative to ensure that anyone found guilty after investigation faces severe punishment, he added.
The RSS general secretary also stressed that the current “state of confusion and uncertainty” must end.
“In this regard, we expect the temple management and the government-appointed SIT to take all necessary initiatives,” he said.
Hosabale noted that the great temple built on Shri Ram Janmabhoomi has become a center of reverence, faith and devotion for the entire Hindu society due to the struggles of generations and the dedication, sacrifices and “martyrdom” of millions of Rambhakts (devotees).
“We are confident that through sound financial management, flawless and transparent operational systems and an atmosphere imbued with purity, sanctity and true ‘dharmikta’, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will continue to strengthen the faith and trust of the Hindu society,” he added.
What is Ram Mandir donation line?
The Ram Mandir donation controversy centers on allegations of financial irregularities, embezzlement and missing offerings at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya.
After the irregularities in the donation boxes were discovered, the Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the missing cash and valuables.
Gift box theft… has deeply affected the feelings and beliefs of the entire society.
Congress leader KC Venugopal on Thursday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an immediate Supreme Court-monitored probe into what he described as the “mega Chanda Chori scandal”.
