What Criminal Cases Did CM Fadnavis Order for Financial Irregularities in Shani Shingnapur Devasthan?
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Synopsis
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken decisive action against financial irregularities at the Shani Shingnapur Devasthan, revealing widespread fraud involving fake employees and counterfeit donations. An independent investigation is underway, highlighting the need for accountability in religious institutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chief Minister Fadnavis reveals financial fraud at Shani Shingnapur Devasthan.
- Investigations show 2,447 fake employees listed at the temple.
- Criminal charges will be pursued against those involved.
- Independent inquiries by Cyber Police are underway.
- Issues related to student uniform distribution also highlighted.
Mumbai, July 11 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced in the Maharashtra Assembly that a report from the Charity Commissioner's Office has uncovered serious financial misconduct and fraud associated with the Shani Shingnapur Devasthan located in Ahilyanagar District.
In response to a calling attention motion raised by Vitthal Langhe, CM Fadnavis confirmed that directives will be issued to initiate criminal cases and to engage external investigative agencies to thoroughly examine the situation.
“The enquiry report highlights that the Shani Shingnapur temple has been engaged in fraudulent activities, including collecting donations via fraudulent apps and receipts while listing thousands of fictitious employees. The committee's investigation revealed that 2,447 non-existent employees were recorded across various departments of the temple.
The salaries intended for these individuals were redirected into the accounts of certain activists. In the hospital department, out of 327 employees listed, only 13 were actually present. The report also indicated 80 employees were documented for maintaining a non-existent garden, 200 for a 109-room lodging facility, 176 for 13 vehicles, and 97 in the 'prasadalaya'. Similar discrepancies were found across other temple departments,” stated CM Fadnavis.
He added that evidence of unauthorized and fictitious employees was discovered in various sectors including donation counters, oil sales, parking, agriculture, sanitation, and security services.
Moreover, CM Fadnavis noted that devotees have suffered losses amounting to lakhs of rupees due to a fraudulent app, and an independent investigation is being conducted by the Cyber Police. The assets of the trustees defined as public servants will also be scrutinized.
In a related matter, the Minister of State for School Education, Pankaj Bhoyar, announced an investigation into the delays in uniform distribution for students across Maharashtra.
He reported that out of 160,917 students in Palghar District, 141,258 have received their uniforms, leaving 19,000 still awaiting theirs.
“This issue will be investigated, and those responsible will face action,” he stated while responding to queries from Bhai Jagtap and Praveen Darekar.
MoS Bhoyar explained that the uniform distribution process for the 2024-25 academic year has changed. The Women’s Economic Development Corporation has been assigned the task of producing one uniform, while the School Management Committee is responsible for the Scout-Guide uniforms. This restructuring has led to delays in several areas.
“The revised scheme set for implementation in the academic year 2025-26 will ensure that funds for uniforms are directly allocated to the School Management Committees, allowing them to procure materials locally and produce the uniforms themselves,” added the minister.
Point of View
I believe that the revelations regarding the Shani Shingnapur Devasthan signify a broader concern about transparency and accountability in religious institutions. It is crucial that the public trusts these organizations, and this incident underscores the necessity for strict oversight and regulation. NationPress remains committed to informing the public about these vital issues.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What financial irregularities were found at Shani Shingnapur Devasthan?
The inquiry revealed that the temple was involved in fraud by creating fake employee records and misappropriating donations through fraudulent apps.
How many fake employees were reported?
The investigation found that there were 2,447 fictitious employees listed across various departments.
What actions will be taken against those found guilty?
Criminal cases will be filed, and external investigative agencies will be appointed to further probe the matter.
What other issues were highlighted by the authorities?
Issues related to the delay in uniform distribution for students in Maharashtra were also addressed, with an investigation announced.
What measures are being taken to prevent future fraud?
The government is implementing new schemes to enhance the procurement and distribution processes to ensure accountability and transparency.
