Ram temple donation theft: RSS calls for Hindu unity, seeks strict action against those guilty

In its first official reaction to the Ayodhya Ram temple embezzlement controversy, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday (July 3, 2026) appealed to Hindus to “remain united” and urged the authorities to ensure strict punishment for those found guilty. It cautioned against “conspiracies (by) anti-Hindu, anti-national forces” to exploit the incident and “malign Hinduism and society”.

In a video statement, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said the Ram temple, built after the “struggles of generations” and the “sacrifices” of crores of Ram devotees, had become a centre of reverence and faith for the Hindu community.

Calling the alleged theft from the temple’s donation boxes “unfortunate”, Mr. Hosabale said the incident had hurt the sentiments of Ram devotees and the wider Hindu society.

Referring to the steps taken by the Uttar Pradesh government, he said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been constituted at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and that legal proceedings had been initiated based on its recommendations. He said those found guilty in the investigation should face strict punishment.

The RSS said the incident should be treated as an “exceptional case” and called for comprehensive measures to address deficiencies in the temple’s administrative and operational systems. It said the confusion surrounding the matter should be brought to an end through corrective action by the temple management and the SIT.

The organisation expressed confidence that transparent financial management, efficient operations and systems ensuring accountability would help reinforce public confidence in the Trust and preserve the faith of devotees.

“The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh also appeals to the entire Hindu society to demonstrate necessary patience and restraint in this difficult moment and to foil the conspiracies of anti-Hindu, anti-national forces who seek to exploit this unfortunate incident to malign Hindu dharma and society,” Mr. Hosabale said.

The statement comes days after Vishwa Hindu Parishad sources told The Hindu that the controversy could derail several campaigns aimed at freeing Hindu temples from government control across India. According to the sources, the issue has sparked widespread discontent among devotees and supporters, with many expressing frustration over the developments. They warned that the growing public anger could weaken the momentum of the temple-freedom movement and make it difficult to mobilise support for similar campaigns in the future.