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The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday broke its silence on the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, describing the incident as "highly condemnable" and calling for strict punishment for all those found guilty while urging Hindus to remain patient and united.

 

In its first official statement on the controversy, RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said the alleged theft from the donation boxes at the Shri Ram Lalla Temple had hurt the sentiments of devotees and wounded the faith of the wider Hindu community.

 

"The unfortunate incident of theft from the donation boxes placed in the Shri Ram Lalla Temple in Ayodhya has wounded the sentiments and reverence of the entire society and Ram devotees, and we are all hurt by this event," Hosabale said.

 

He noted that, at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the Uttar Pradesh government had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and initiated legal proceedings based on its recommendations.

Also read: SIT steps up Ram Mandir donation embezzlement probe

"It is essential to ensure that whoever is found guilty in the investigation receives strict punishment," Hosabale said, adding that the incident should be treated as exceptional and that all shortcomings in the temple's administrative and operational arrangements should be addressed to preserve the faith of devotees.

 

He said the RSS expected the temple management and the SIT to take all necessary measures to ensure transparent financial management, efficient operations and systems that uphold the sanctity of the temple.

 

"We are confident that through proper financial management, seamless operations with innocent transparent systems, and an atmosphere imbued with purity, sanctity, and profound religiosity, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will continue to strengthen the faith and trust of Hindu society," he said.

 

Appealing for restraint, Hosabale urged Hindus to remain united and not allow what he described as anti-Hindu and anti-national forces to exploit the incident to malign Hindu society and Sanatan Dharma.

 

The alleged donation theft has triggered political controversy, with opposition parties demanding an independent probe and raising questions over the management of the temple trust.