RSS Urges Patience Amid Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Investigation
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has urged an end to what it described as the "prevailing confusion and uncertainty" surrounding the alleged embezzlement of donations from the Ayodhya Ram Temple, while calling for those responsible to face strict punishment if found guilty.
In a statement posted on X, the RSS appealed to the Hindu community to exercise patience and restraint as the investigation progresses. It also urged people not to allow what it described as "anti-Hindu and anti-national forces" to use the controversy to malign Hinduism and Hindu society.
"The unfortunate incident of theft in the donation boxes kept at the Shri Ram Lalla 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," the organisation said.
It added that, at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the Uttar Pradesh government had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and initiated legal proceedings based on its recommendations.
"It is essential to ensure that anyone found guilty after the investigation faces severe punishment," the RSS said.
The alleged misappropriation of temple donations first came to light on June 7. A First Information Report (FIR) was registered on June 25 following a preliminary inquiry by the SIT constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government. Eight people linked to the temple's donation-counting process have been arrested so far.
The investigation has since widened, with the SIT set to carry out a comprehensive re-audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's accounts for the past five years after its preliminary findings indicated significant financial irregularities, according to sources.
The review will examine expenditure related to the temple's construction, as well as donations received in the form of jewellery and other gold and silver items. Investigators will scrutinise the Trust's financial records across the entire five-year period.
Police Action
Meanwhile, Ayodhya Police have questioned key accused Avinash Shukla after taking him into custody. The SIT has also questioned Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, trustee Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao, who has been associated with the temple's construction and management.
According to police sources, investigators have recovered ₹20.39 lakh from Shukla, ₹18.07 lakh from Karunesh Pandey, ₹16.82 lakh from Anukalp Mishra, ₹14.25 lakh from Lavkush Mishra, ₹7.32 lakh from Ramashankar Mishra and ₹1 lakh from Ramashankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu.
Police have also seized approximately 11 grams of gold, around 375 grams of silver and $1,121 in cash during the investigation. In addition, investigators recovered a donation box labelled "Ramrajya Kosh", bearing a Paytm QR code, from a yoga centre in Ayodhya where Shukla is alleged to have lived for nearly a decade, according to sources.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue to examine financial records and trace the movement of donations linked to the temple.
