By Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday gave his first public response to the controversy surrounding the alleged misappropriation of donations collected at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. While interacting with reporters in Nagpur, Bhagwat chose not to elaborate on the issue and instead responded with a brief yet symbolic, “Ram-Ram,” before moving ahead.
The remark came after journalists asked him about allegations that the ongoing controversy was being used to shake devotees’ faith in Lord Ram. Though Bhagwat avoided making a detailed statement, his short response has drawn attention as the RSS’s first direct public reaction from its chief since the issue surfaced.
Bhagwat’s comment follows a stronger statement issued a day earlier by RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, who expressed deep concern over the alleged embezzlement of temple donations. Hosabale said the incident had caused immense pain to millions of Ram devotees and called for strict action against everyone found responsible after the investigation.
In his statement, Hosabale urged the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a fair and comprehensive probe so that the truth emerges without delay. He said those involved should face the harshest punishment under the law, adding that any attempt to misuse devotees’ faith for personal gain was unacceptable.
The RSS leader also alleged that certain anti-Hindu and anti-national elements were attempting to exploit the controversy to defame Hindu traditions and beliefs. At the same time, he appealed to devotees to remain patient and allow the investigation to reach its logical conclusion instead of reacting to speculation.
Hosabale further suggested that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust should treat the matter with utmost seriousness by strengthening its internal systems and addressing any administrative shortcomings that may have contributed to the alleged irregularities. According to him, restoring public confidence requires transparency and decisive corrective measures.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the alleged financial irregularities has gathered pace. So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the case. Among them are six outsourced employees who were engaged in counting devotees’ offerings, along with Ram Shankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu, a close associate of Trust General Secretary Champat Rai. Another accused, Avinash Shukla, is also among those in custody.
The Uttar Pradesh Police have intensified their criminal investigation alongside the SIT probe. On Friday, investigators took Avinash Shukla into police custody for 24 hours to carry out recoveries, reconstruct the sequence of events and verify fresh evidence. Officials reportedly questioned him for several hours before taking him to multiple locations in Ayodhya and later to his native district of Pratapgarh to verify information linked to the case.
As both investigations continue, authorities are examining the financial and administrative functioning of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The outcome of the probe is expected to determine accountability and address concerns raised by devotees over the handling of temple donation.
