New Delhi, July 3 (HS): The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday expressed deep anguish over the theft from donation boxes at the Shri Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya, saying the incident had hurt the faith and sentiments of the entire Hindu society and crores of Ram devotees.

In a statement, RSS Sarkaryavah (General Secretary) Dattatreya Hosabale said the grand temple at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi had become a centre of reverence, faith and devotion for the Hindu society through the struggles of generations and the dedication, sacrifice and martyrdom of crores of Ram devotees.

Describing the incident as highly condemnable, Hosabale said the theft had caused deep pain and anger among devotees.

He noted 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. He said anyone found guilty after the investigation should be awarded stringent punishment.

Hosabale said it was natural for the entire Hindu society, including the RSS, to expect the Trust to treat the incident as an extraordinary matter and take effective steps to remove all shortcomings in temple management and operations.

He said it was essential to ensure that the faith and reverence of crores of Ram devotees in the Ayodhya temple remained unshaken and that the prevailing confusion and uncertainty surrounding the incident should come to an end at the earliest.

The RSS leader expressed the expectation that the temple management and the government-appointed SIT would take all necessary steps in this regard.

Expressing confidence in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Hosabale said transparent financial management, efficient operational systems and an atmosphere of purity, sanctity and dharmik values would further strengthen the faith and trust of the Hindu society.

The RSS also appealed to the entire Hindu society to maintain patience and restraint during this period and remain vigilant against attempts by anti-Hindu and anti-national forces to exploit the incident to malign Hindu Dharma and Hindu society.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar