The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged theft of donations collected for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. It has also called for strict punishment for everyone found guilty. The organisation urged Hindus to remain calm and avoid reacting emotionally while the investigation continues. It said, “Anti-Hindu and anti-national forces” are trying to use the incident to damage the image of Hindu dharma and society.

RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said the entire Hindu society naturally expects the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to treat this matter with the highest seriousness. He described the alleged theft from the temple’s donation boxes as a “highly condemnable incident.” He said, “It is essential to ensure that anyone found guilty after the investigation faces severe punishment.”

Hosabale also asked the Trust to improve the management and functioning of the temple. He said the Trust should immediately remove all shortcomings in its operations. According to him, this step is necessary to protect the faith of millions of devotees who visit the temple. He said, “This is crucial to ensure that the faith and reverence of crores of Ram devotees in the Ayodhya temple remain unbroken and steadfast. The current state of confusion and uncertainty must end… In this regard, we expect the temple management and the government-appointed SIT [Special Investigation Team] to take all necessary initiatives.”

The Ram Temple in Ayodhya holds great religious importance for Hindus across the country. Hosabale said the temple stands as a symbol of faith, devotion, and the sacrifices made by generations of Ram devotees. He added that the alleged theft has deeply hurt the emotions of the Hindu community. Referring to the incident, he said, “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.”

The RSS supported the decision of the Government of Uttar Pradesh led by Yogi Adityanath to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The organisation said the matter deserves a detailed inquiry due to its serious nature. The alleged irregularities have also become a major political issue for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections scheduled for early next year.

Hosabale said the Uttar Pradesh government formed the SIT after receiving a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. He added that the government has already started legal proceedings based on the recommendations of the investigation team. Repeating the RSS stand, he said, “It is essential to ensure that anyone found guilty after the investigation faces severe punishment.”

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad, an affiliate of the RSS, had led the movement for the construction of the Ram Temple. The donation theft controversy has now drawn national attention and increased pressure on the temple authorities to ensure transparency and accountability.

The RSS has also announced that the issue will come up for discussion at its meeting in Karnataka on July 10. The organisation expects the temple administration and the SIT to complete a fair investigation and take effective action. It believes this will help restore public confidence and protect the faith of millions of devotees visiting the Ram Temple.