Temple Audit – Maharashtra Seeks Detailed Siddhivinayak Trust Financial Report
Temple Audit – The Maharashtra government has sought a detailed financial report from the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple Trust in Mumbai after allegations regarding the handling of donation funds drew public attention. The move comes amid claims made by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, who alleged that around Rs 18 crore in temple donations goes missing every year. The temple trust, however, has rejected the allegation and stated that it had itself requested a comprehensive financial audit several months before the controversy emerged.
Trust Says Audit Request Was Made Earlier
According to Trustee Rahul Tukaram Londhe, the Law and Judiciary Department has directed the trust to submit a detailed financial report. He said the trust had voluntarily written to the department in May 2026, requesting an extensive audit of the temple’s donation system and financial records. Once the report is submitted, the state government will determine whether any further action is required based on its findings.
The trust also clarified that no letter alleging an annual loss of Rs 18 crore had been sent to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, contradicting claims made during a public address by Raj Thackeray at the 20th anniversary programme of the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena on August 1.
Investigation Into Donation Handling
Temple Trust President Sadanand Shankar Sarvankar said the administration had already approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) after identifying irregularities in the donation collection process. He stated that senior ACB officials, including Vishwas Nangre Patil, were informed, following which officers were deployed at the temple to monitor the counting of donations and examine surveillance footage.
Sarvankar said CCTV recordings helped investigators identify individuals allegedly removing cash from donation boxes over several days. He added that the suspicious activities were detected after temple authorities noticed missing cash on March 20, leading to a complaint at Dadar Police Station and the registration of an FIR. The initial case involved the alleged theft of Rs 10,000, while subsequent investigation reportedly resulted in the recovery of Rs 80,000.
Arrests, Suspensions and Further Probe
According to the trust, one employee, Rajendra Pendurkar, was arrested in connection with the alleged theft, after which eight more individuals were taken into custody during the investigation conducted earlier this year. A chargesheet has since been filed, and all the accused are currently out on bail.
Sarvankar claimed that investigators uncovered what appeared to be an organised group involved in removing money from donation boxes after they were brought to an upper floor of the temple premises. He said employees identified through CCTV footage were removed from duty, replaced with new staff and reported to the police without delay.
The trust has also suspended 46 employees over allegations related to the misappropriation of donation funds and the acceptance of unauthorised payments from devotees in exchange for facilitating darshan. Sarvankar has demanded that the Crime Investigation Department (CID) conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Darshan Payment Irregularities Also Examined
Apart from donation management, the inquiry is also examining alleged irregularities in the temple’s darshan system. The trust has alleged that certain individuals accepted online payments from devotees by promising VIP or special darshan without authorisation.
According to Sarvankar, 19 people have been booked in connection with the alleged network. He further claimed that some flower vendors operating near the temple were also involved in arranging priority darshan in return for money. He said strict disciplinary and legal action would continue against anyone found involved in theft, unauthorised collections or other malpractices affecting temple administration.
Trustee Rahul Tukaram Londhe reiterated that every contribution made by devotees, regardless of its value, should be used transparently and for its intended purpose. He said the trustees believe a detailed audit will strengthen accountability, improve financial oversight and ensure greater public confidence in the management of the temple’s donations.