Dattatreya Hosabale, General Secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, condemned the theft of donations collected for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir this week.
The incident has sparked outrage among religious devotees and the broader community, as the stolen funds were intended for the construction of the temple. Because the donations represent the collective contributions of followers, the RSS views the crime as an attack on the sentiments of the faithful.
Hosabale said the incident was unfortunate and that it has hurt the sentiments of the entire society and Ram devotees [1]. He said the perpetrators should face severe punishment to address the gravity of the theft [1].
"We are all hurt," Hosabale said [2].
The theft targeted donation boxes specifically designated for the temple project. The RSS General Secretary said the loss is not merely financial but a spiritual blow to those who contributed to the site in Ayodhya [1].
This controversy comes ahead of a significant gathering of the organization. Senior RSS pracharaks are scheduled to meet in Belagavi from July 10 to July 12 [3]. Observers suggest the theft and the subsequent public reaction may be a point of discussion during these meetings [3].
Hosabale said the theft of the amount collected in donation boxes is unfortunate and has hurt the sentiments of the entire society and Ram devotees [1].
“"We are all hurt."”
The RSS's public condemnation signals a move to protect the perceived sanctity of the Ram Mandir project. By framing the theft as an offense against the 'sentiments of society' rather than a simple criminal act, the organization is reinforcing the temple's role as a central symbol of cultural and religious identity for its followers.
