Mumbai's revered Siddhivinayak Temple has landed at the centre of a donation-irregularity row, prompting the Maharashtra government to step in. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed officials to conduct a special audit of the temple's cash donations, jewellery and other valuables received over the past five years.
Every entry of cash, gold and silver to be scrutinised
According to sources, the special audit will closely examine every entry of cash donations, gold and silver ornaments and other valuable items received by the temple. It will also dig into the temple's financial transactions and how these valuables have been maintained and managed over the years. The entire exercise is aimed at ensuring that the records and management system tied to the temple's donations remain transparent, strengthening devotees' trust in the process.
Strict action promised if irregularities surface
Officials say the state government will decide on its next course of action only once the audit report is submitted. If the probe uncovers evidence of financial irregularities or violation of rules, action will be taken against the officials or individuals found responsible, in line with applicable norms. In effect, the audit report itself will determine which direction the case takes from here.
Decision came a day after trust chief met the deputy CM
Notably, the order was issued just a day after Siddhivinayak Temple Trust chairman Sada Sarvankar met Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. It was after this meeting that the government decided to order a special audit of the temple's donation and financial records.
One of the country's richest temples
Siddhivinayak Temple is counted among the most prestigious and highest donation-earning temples in the country, with thousands of devotees visiting daily to offer prayers and donations. Given its stature, the decision to order a special audit is being seen as a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the temple's administration.
Echoes of the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft case
The development comes even as an alleged theft from the donation box and offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, remains under investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The opposition has repeatedly targeted the Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh and the Modi government at the Centre over the Ayodhya incident. Following the Ram Temple case, scrutiny over transparency in donation boxes and offerings at other prominent temples across the country appears to be intensifying.
