New Delhi, July 3 (IANS) The Congress and the Shiv Sena-UBT on Friday said that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was “late” in seeking justice against the alleged misappropriation of donations and offerings at the Ram Temple, questioning its efforts “while thefts were taking place at the temple?”

The reactions come after the RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale cautioned the Hindu community to exercise restraint and not get misled by anti-national forces using the Ram Temple donation theft to defame the religion and society.

Hosabale said: “It is essential to ensure that those found guilty in the investigation face severe punishment.”

Shiv Sena-UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said: “First of all, I would say that the RSS has finally realised that such a grave wrongdoing has taken place, and that it was committed by those who built their entire politics around the Shri Ram Temple. It is only now that they have come forward with this statement.”

“SIT is currently probing the case, and small-time workers have been arrested; however, I think the main accused have been let off,” she told IANS.

Referring to the Faizabad Bar Association’s stand to not represent the accused in the case, she said: “The BJP attempted to gain political mileage from the temple, but now the public, those who follow the Sanatan religion, is angry with the incident as it has hurt their faith.”

“Action should be taken against everyone involved, irrespective of a person’s stature,” Chaturvedi added.

Congress leader Nana Patole questioned the delay in taking action against the accused, saying, “The thefts were being committed for such a long time, despite the presence of CCTV cameras; how were these not visible to anyone? Today, they are talking about taking action when the matter has become public.”

“What was RSS doing when such thefts were taking place at the Ram Temple? Today, the BJP and the RSS have been exposed,” he told reporters.

Meanwhile, Hindu seer Satyendra Das Vedanti said Dattatreya Hosabale has made a “legitimate demand”.

“The RSS has worked together with the saints at the Ram Janmbhoomi. It has been at the centre of the Ram Janmbhoomi movement. If such a responsible person is making this statement, then it must be realised that such an incident has tarnished the image of the Ram Temple. Therefore, whoever is found responsible should be punished,” he told IANS.

–IANS

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