‘Everyone expressed grief': RSS on Ayodhya Ram Mandir donation irregularities case

Ayodhya (UP): The RSS has expressed concern over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, saying it expects the ongoing investigation to reach a decisive stage soon while urging safeguards to protect devotees' faith.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has expressed grief over the alleged irregularities in the counting of donation box offerings at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya and said it believes the ongoing investigation will soon reach a "decisive turn".

The issue was discussed during the concluding session of the three-day Akhil Bharatiya Prant Pracharak Baithak held in Belagavi, Karnataka. The meeting was attended by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale, senior office-bearers, pracharaks and representatives from affiliated organisations across the country.

The alleged irregularities involve claims that crores of rupees collected through cash donations and offerings at the Ram Temple were embezzled. The allegations first surfaced on June 7. Following a preliminary inquiry by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the Uttar Pradesh government, an FIR was registered on June 25.

'Everyone expressed grief' over the alleged Ram Mandir donation irregularities, the investigation will soon reach a 'decisive turn', and 'no such incident should occur in the future which could hurt the reverence and deep faith of all Ram Bhakts towards the Ram Mandir', says RSS.

So far, eight people linked to the temple's donation collection and counting process have been arrested, while the investigation remains ongoing.

In its resolution, the RSS said those attending the meeting were saddened by the incident but expressed confidence in the investigation initiated following a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The organisation also called on the temple trust to strengthen its systems so that such incidents do not recur and devotees' faith in the temple remains unaffected.

Speaking after the meeting, RSS All India Convenor for Communications Sunil Ambekar said the Ayodhya donation case was discussed in detail. He said participants expressed confidence that the Uttar Pradesh Police's Special Investigation Team would soon produce clear findings.

Ambekar added that the temple's administrative activities should be carried out in a manner that preserves the trust and reverence of millions of devotees. He also said the Belagavi meeting reviewed the RSS's training programmes and preparations for its centenary year, alongside discussions on organisational activities across the country.