‘Extremely Pained’: RSS Breaks Silence on Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Case (Watch Video)

In its first official response to the ongoing controversy over the alleged embezzlement of cash offerings at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday expressed deep pain and anger over the incident. In a formal statement issued on July 3, 2026, RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale termed the theft from the temple's donation boxes as "highly condemnable" and demanded severe punishment for those found guilty by the state-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT).

The response from the RSS, the ideological fount of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), underscores the growing gravity of the administrative crisis that has hit the temple management over the past month. 'Can Employees Alone Pull Off Such a Big Scam?': Priyanka Gandhi Demands Transparent Probe Into Ram Mandir Donation Row.

RSS Demands Structural Overhaul of Temple Trust Operations

In his statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Hosabale emphasized that the grand temple at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi is a center of deep devotion built on the struggles and sacrifices of generations. He stated that the incident of theft has deeply wounded the sentiments of millions of Hindu devotees worldwide and insisted that the current "state of confusion and uncertainty must end."

The RSS leadership has explicitly called upon the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to treat the matter with extraordinary seriousness. Hosabale outlined the organization's expectations for a total administrative overhaul, urging the management to put in place proper financial management and flawless, transparent operational systems. He noted that a system imbued with purity and "true dharmikta" (religious righteousness) is essential to keep the faith of the devotees steadfast

How the Ayodhya Donation Scam Unfolded

The alleged financial irregularities first came to light on June 7, 2026, after a bag containing more than ₹2 lakh in coins was discovered hidden in a toilet near the temple complex's donation-counting room. A subsequent review of CCTV footage and a preliminary administrative audit raised alarms regarding systemic leakages during the cash-counting process. Oppn Keeps Up Pressure on BJP over Ram Mandir Donation Row; CM Yogi Assures Strict Action.

RSS Demands Strict Action Over Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft

Statement issued by Dattatreya Hosabale, Sarkaryavah (General Secretary) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

New Delhi, July 3, 2026

The grand temple constructed at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi has become a center of reverence, faith, and devotion for the entire Hindu society,… pic.twitter.com/ppdkc8kuwU

— RSS (@RSSorg) July 3, 2026

Following an initial report, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 15 to probe the matter. A formal First Information Report (FIR) was registered on June 25, leading to a wave of arrests. So far, eight individuals associated with the temple’s donation-counting shifts—including a retired bank employee in charge of the shifts and a close associate of the trust's leadership—have been arrested. Law enforcement agencies have recovered approximately ₹80 lakh in cash, alongside foreign currency, gold, and silver.

The escalating scandal has already caused major ripples within the temple's upper management. Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra have reportedly tendered their resignations, with the Trust expected to take a definitive decision during its scheduled meeting on July 6.

SIT Mandate Extended to Re-Audit Five Years of Accounts

The investigation continues to widen significantly. On July 1, the Uttar Pradesh government granted a 15-day extension to the SIT, moving its final report submission deadline to July 15. This extension follows findings of serious procedural violations, including a lack of proper security checks for staff entering counting zones and lapses in preserving long-term CCTV records.

Latest reports indicate that the SIT is now expanding its perimeter beyond the immediate theft to execute a comprehensive five-year re-audit of the Trust’s accounts. This extensive evaluation will scrutinize past construction expenditures, land deals, recruitment processes, and all gold and silver jewelry donations received since the project's inception.

Call for Public Patience Amid National Scrutiny

Acknowledging the political and social sensitivities surrounding the Ayodhya temple, Hosabale concluded his statement by appealing to the public for calm. The RSS general secretary called upon the Hindu community to display patience and restraint during this period, warning against attempts by "anti-national forces" to exploit the unfortunate incident to malign the community or derail the temple's sanctity.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 03, 2026 04:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).