Maharashtra CM orders probe into Rs 18 cr theft allegation at Siddhivinayak Temple
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an inquiry into allegations of financial irregularities at Mumbai's famous Siddhivinayak Temple, days after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an inquiry into allegations of financial irregularities at Mumbai's famous Siddhivinayak Temple, days after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray claimed that nearly Rs 18 crore was being siphoned off from the temple every year. The move comes amid a political row over the functioning and financial management of one of Maharashtra's most prominent religious institutions. Read Full Story During a recent public rally, Raj Thackeray alleged that around Rs 18 crore was being stolen annually from the Siddhivinayak Temple.
The claim sparked a political controversy, with opposition leaders demanding transparency in the temple's administration and financial affairs. Following the allegations, Siddhivinayak Temple Trust chairman Sada Sarvankar met Chief Minister Fadnavis and sought a formal investigation into the claims. Sarvankar reportedly urged the state government to conduct a thorough probe to establish the facts and clear any doubts surrounding the temple's finances. Taking note of the request, Fadnavis has now directed authorities to investigate the matter. PROBE ORDERED TO EXAMINE FINANCIAL STATUS The probe is expected to examine the financial transactions and administrative functioning of the Siddhivinayak Temple Trust to ascertain whether there is any substance to the allegations made by the MNS chief.
Officials are expected to scrutinise the temple's accounts and other financial records as part of the inquiry. The Siddhivinayak Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is among Mumbai's most visited religious shrines and receives donations from lakhs of devotees every year. Given its religious significance and substantial annual income, allegations of financial mismanagement have drawn widespread political and public attention. With the Chief Minister ordering an investigation, attention is now focused on the findings of the probe and whether it uncovers any evidence to support Raj Thackeray's allegations.
The outcome is likely to have political as well as administrative implications, as questions over transparency and accountability in the management of the temple continue to dominate public discourse. Ends
The BriefWire