RSS Breaks Silence on Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft, Demands Strict Punishment for Guilty
Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale calls theft “unfortunate,” urges trust to fix systemic gaps as SIT questions accused for second day
NewsArc Bureau
Ayodhya, July 3
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday issued its first statement on the alleged theft from donation boxes at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, with Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale calling the incident “unfortunate” and saying it had hurt the sentiments and faith of devotees.
HOSABALE’S STATEMENT
In a video message, Hosabale said the accumulation of funds in the donation boxes (dana-patras) placed inside the Ramlala temple had been stolen, an act he described as deeply regrettable. He said restoring devotees’ trust was essential, and that anyone found guilty in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe must face strict punishment.
Hosabale added that the grand temple stood on the devotion, sacrifice and contributions of crores of Ram devotees. He called on the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to take effective steps to address all shortcomings in the temple’s management and administration, and said financial management and operational systems must be fully transparent, error-free and in keeping with dharmic principles.
BJP LEADER’S CLAIMS AND LATER RETRACTION
Separately, BJP leader Vinay Katiyar claimed in Ayodhya that funds had clearly been embezzled. He named trust general secretary Champat Rai, trustee Dr Anil Mishra and invitee trust member Gopal Rao, saying they had escaped arrest so far but could face jail later.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Katiyar also claimed he had spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 2 am regarding the matter, during which the Prime Minister asked what would happen next, to which he replied that everything would be fine.
However, Katiyar later backtracked while speaking to a news channel, denying he had said Champat Rai could go to jail.
SIT PROBE CONTINUES
The Special Investigation Team reached the temple for a second consecutive day on Friday to continue its inquiry. Sources said the team was questioning Gopal Rao. Separately, police arrived at Ayodhya jail at 9 am and took accused Avinash Shukla into 24-hour custody for questioning at the police lines, followed by nearly two hours of interrogation before he was taken to Pratapgarh.
Investigators said questioning revealed that Avinash had disposed of gold and silver ornaments and cash from the donation collections. He was also taken to a yoga centre in Ayodhya as part of the probe.
Police recovered a Brezza car (registration UP42-AP-6054) from Kaushalpuri Colony on Avinash’s disclosure, which he is believed to have used to transport cash. He had purchased the vehicle around a year ago.
Avinash, a resident of Pratapgarh who lived on rent in Ayodhya, was employed to count temple donations. Earlier searches at his rented room had recovered Rs 20 lakh in cash, $1,000, jewellery and a box labelled “Ramrajya Kosh.”
Meanwhile, Supriya Mishra, wife of accused Lavkush Mishra, told media persons through a half-opened door that she had no knowledge of the theft case and that her husband never discussed the matter with her.
BULLDOZER ACTION PLANNED
The Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) has prepared to demolish newly built houses belonging to accused Lavkush Mishra and Anukalp Mishra, and has issued a notice to Lavkush’s wife, Supriya Mishra.
Supriya denied receiving any notice, saying their house map was duly approved. She appealed for her husband’s safe return.
