RSS expresses grief over Ram Mandir donation theft, says probe to soon reach ‘decisive turn’

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has voiced its sorrow regarding alleged irregularities in the counting of donations at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The organization stressed the importance of maintaining devotees' faith and urged the temple trust to implement safeguards against any recurrence.

The issue was a key point in the concluding resolution of the three-day Akhil Bharatiya Prant Pracharak Baithak held in Belagavi, Karnataka. The meeting, attended by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and other senior functionaries, addressed the allegations that crores of rupees from cash and other offerings at the temple were embezzled. The allegations surfaced on June 7, following the temple's inauguration earlier in 2024.

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Everyone expressed grief over the incident of irregularities in the counting of the donation box offerings at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir and expressed confidence that the ongoing SIT and police action, initiated at the request of the Teerth Kshetra Nyas, will reach a decisive turn. It was expected of the Teerth Kshetra Nyas to ensure that no such incident occurs in the future which could hurt the reverence and deep faith of all Ram Bhakts towards the Ram Mandir.

An FIR was registered on June 25 after a preliminary report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Uttar Pradesh government. Eight individuals connected to the donation counting process have been arrested as the investigation continues. The RSS resolution emphasized the need for accountability and measures to preserve public confidence in the temple's administration.

Sunil Ambekar, RSS All India Convenor for Communications, stated that delegates expressed confidence in the SIT and the Uttar Pradesh Police, expecting clear results soon. He noted that the investigation began after a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra Trust. The meeting also reviewed the RSS's training activities and centenary year programs.

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The deliberations were in detail. Most speakers expressed confidence in the special investigation team of the Uttar Pradesh Police. They felt that it would lead to clear results soon. The investigation was taken up after a request by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra Trust. It was also decided to conduct the activities of the temple in such a way as not to disturb the faith of the devotees.