RSS urges strict action as SIT probes Ram Temple theft

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has called for a thorough investigation and severe punishment for those responsible for the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, describing the incident as deeply painful for devotees. In a statement on Friday, July 3, 2026, RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said the organization expects the temple's managing trust to treat the matter as extraordinary and implement corrective measures to strengthen management and transparency.

The alleged embezzlement from donation boxes at the Shri Ram Lalla temple came to light on June 7. Following this, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. An FIR was subsequently filed on June 25 based on the SIT's preliminary findings, leading to the arrest of eight individuals associated with counting the temple donations.

Hosabale welcomed the formation of the SIT and said it was essential that anyone found guilty faces stringent punishment. He emphasized that the current state of confusion and uncertainty must end, and expressed confidence that the trust would take necessary steps to...