Religious leader Dhirendra Shastri has reacted strongly to the alleged donation theft controversy linked to the Ayodhya Ram Temple, stating that the incident has harmed the image of Sanatan Dharma and hurt the faith of millions of devotees. Shastri said those responsible for stealing offerings made in the name of God would inevitably face punishment and warned that those who committed such acts would receive “mahadand” (severe punishment) for their actions. Drawing a comparison with the story of Ravana from the Ramayana, he said wrongdoing against faith and religion ultimately leads to consequences. He further remarked that the controversy has raised questions about temples and religious institutions, affecting public trust. Shastri emphasized that only individuals fully devoted to religious values, temple traditions, and spiritual service should be entrusted with responsibilities related to temple administration and management. His remarks come amid ongoing investigations into the alleged donation theft case and growing political debate surrounding the issue.
