Rs 18 crore missing every year? Siddhivinayak Temple Trust asked to explain
The Maharashtra Law and Judiciary Department has requested a financial report from the Siddhivinayak Temple Trust following allegations of missing funds. The Trust denies the claims, stating they initiated an audit themselves and have been actively investigating internal theft.
Why it matters
It highlights concerns over financial transparency and potential corruption in high-profile religious institutions that manage significant public donations.
The Maharashtra Law and Judiciary Department has sought a detailed financial report from the Siddhivinayak Temple Trust amid a political storm triggered by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray's allegation that donations worth Rs 18 crore are being siphoned off from Mumbai's iconic temple every year. The Trust, however, maintained that the department's move was initiated on its own request for a comprehensive audit submitted in May, months before the allegations surfaced. "The Law and Judiciary Department has asked the trust administration to submit a report. Based on that report, the state government will decide the further course of action," trustee Rahul Londhe said on Monday.
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