The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday expressed deep concern over the alleged theft from donation boxes at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, in its first official statement on the matter, calling the incident “deeply pained” and urging strict action against those responsible while seeking greater transparency and accountability in the temple’s management.
In a statement issued from New Delhi, RSS Sarkaryavah (General Secretary) Dattatreya Hosabale said the grand temple at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi had become a symbol of faith and devotion for the Hindu community through the sacrifices and dedication of generations of devotees.
“The unfortunate incident of theft in the donation boxes kept at the Ram temple in Ayodhya has deeply hurt the sentiments and faith of the entire society and Ram devotees; we are all extremely pained and angered by this event,” Hosabale said.
The alleged embezzlement, involving donations worth an estimated ₹7.5 crore, came to light on June 7. The Uttar Pradesh government subsequently constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, and an FIR was filed on June 25 based on the SIT’s preliminary findings. Eight people associated with counting temple donations have been arrested, and police have recovered nearly ₹80 lakh in cash during the investigation, which is ongoing.
Hosabale noted the legal proceedings initiated on the SIT’s recommendations and said those found guilty after the investigation should face stringent punishment.
‘Treat it as an exceptional matter’
The RSS leader called on the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to treat the incident as an exceptional matter and address any shortcomings in the temple’s management and operational systems. He said it was essential to ensure that the faith of millions of devotees in the Ayodhya temple remained intact and that the prevailing uncertainty surrounding the incident came to an end.
Hosabale expressed confidence that the Trust, through transparent administrative systems, would continue to strengthen public trust in the temple.
“We are confident that through proper financial management, flawless and transparent operational systems, and an atmosphere imbued with purity, sanctity, and true dharmikta, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will continue to strengthen the faith and trust of the Hindu society,” he said.
The RSS also appealed for calm, urging the Hindu community to exercise patience and restraint while the investigation is underway.
Statement issued by Dattatreya Hosabale, Sarkaryavah (General Secretary) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
— RSS (@RSSorg) July 3, 2026
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
“Display necessary patience and restraint during this difficult moment and thwart the conspiracies of anti-Hindu and anti-national forces seeking to malign the Hindu dharma and society by exploiting this unfortunate incident,” the statement said.
Trust to hear Champat Rai on July 6
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is likely to issue show-cause notices to its General Secretary, Champat Rai, and trustee Anil Mishra, who resigned following the donation embezzlement case, at its key meeting scheduled for July 6, sources said.
According to sources in the Trust, both office-bearers will be asked to provide written and oral explanations regarding the donation irregularities before any decision is taken on their resignations or future roles.
Sources said the move is in accordance with the Trust’s bylaws, which mandate that the concerned office-bearers be given an opportunity to explain their position before any disciplinary action is initiated. The rules also stipulate that any decision on accepting their resignations or removing them from office must be approved by the requisite majority of the trustees.