Rajat Sharma Blames Entire Chain of Command for Ram Mandir Robbery
In a scathing commentary on his show 'Aaj Ki Baat', senior journalist Rajat Sharma held the entire hierarchy responsible for the recent robbery at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He asserted that from the topmost authorities to the lowest security staff, all are guilty of negligence that led to the security breach.
The Incident: What Happened at the Ram Mandir?
On the night of June 23, 2026, unidentified thieves broke into the Ram Mandir complex and stole valuable items, including gold and silver ornaments, and cash from the donation boxes. The robbery was discovered the next morning by temple priests, who immediately alerted the police. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the security arrangements at the temple.
According to sources, the thieves entered the temple by cutting through a grille and disabling the CCTV cameras. The lack of adequate security personnel and outdated surveillance systems are being cited as key factors that enabled the crime. The Uttar Pradesh Police have registered a case and launched an investigation, but no arrests have been made so far.
Rajat Sharma's Strong Reaction
On his prime-time show, Sharma did not mince words. He said, "From the top to the bottom, all are guilty. The responsibility lies with the temple trust, the administration, and the security agencies. If such a high-profile temple can be robbed so easily, what about other temples?" He demanded a thorough inquiry and strict action against those found negligent.
Sharma also criticized the government for not ensuring foolproof security at the Ram Mandir, which is a symbol of faith for millions of Hindus. "The government must take this seriously. This is not just a theft; it is an attack on the faith of crores of devotees," he added.
Security Lapses at the Temple
Investigations have revealed multiple security lapses. The temple had only one security guard on duty at the time of the robbery, and the CCTV cameras were not functional. The alarm system also failed to alert the authorities. The temple trust has admitted that the security arrangements were inadequate and promised to upgrade them.
In response to the incident, the Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a high-level inquiry and deployed additional police personnel at the temple. The Director General of Police has also announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for any information leading to the arrest of the culprits.
Public Outrage and Political Reactions
The robbery has triggered a political slugfest, with opposition parties slamming the ruling BJP over the security lapse. The Congress party demanded the resignation of the temple trust chairman, while the Samajwadi Party questioned the government's claim of making Ayodhya a world-class pilgrimage destination. The BJP, however, defended its record, saying that the temple was not under government control and that the trust was responsible for security.
Meanwhile, devotees have expressed shock and anger. "We come here with so much faith, but if the temple itself is not safe, what can we say?" said a devotee from Delhi. Many have called for a comprehensive security overhaul, including the installation of modern surveillance systems and better training for security personnel.
Historical Context and Previous Incidents
This is not the first time the Ram Mandir has faced a security breach. In 2023, a minor theft was reported, but the incident was downplayed. Security experts say that the temple's location in a crowded area and the high footfall make it vulnerable. They recommend a multi-layered security approach, including the use of AI-based monitoring and a dedicated police post.
The Ram Mandir, which was inaugurated in January 2024, attracts thousands of visitors daily. The temple trust has been under pressure to ensure the safety of the premises, especially after the recent incident. The trust has announced that it will install 200 new CCTV cameras and hire 50 additional security personnel within a month.
Conclusion: Need for Accountability
As Rajat Sharma pointed out, the robbery is a wake-up call for all stakeholders. The temple trust, the state government, and the security agencies must work together to prevent such incidents in the future. Accountability must be fixed at every level, from the trustees to the guards. Only then can the faith of the devotees be restored.
