Maharashtra CM orders fresh investigation of Siddhivinayak Temple donation case
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an investigation into alleged donation irregularities at the Siddhivinayak Temple between 2022 and 2026. The probe follows accusations from political figures regarding missing funds and the subsequent arrest of nine temple employees.
Why it matters
The case involves high-profile religious institutions and potential financial corruption, which carries significant political and social weight in the region.
Days after Siddhivinayak Temple Trustees raised irregularities in the collection of donations, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis instructed a fresh investigation into the case.
Mr. Fadnavis gave directions to the Home Affairs Department to investigate the temple’s records from 2022 to 2026.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray raised the issue on August 2, claiming that every year from 2023, irregularities of at least ₹18 crore had appeared. He made accusations, saying, “After the accused were caught, the weekly donation amount increased from ₹50 lakh to about ₹1.5 crore.”
Nine employees of the temple have been arrested.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in