Siddhivinayak Temple Trust faces five-year financial audit amid donation scam allegations

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a comprehensive five-year financial audit of the Siddhivinayak Temple Trust in Mumbai following allegations of donation theft and financial irregularities.

The investigation follows reports that nine temple employees were arrested in connection with the theft of funds. The scrutiny aims to examine cash donations, gold, silver, and other precious offerings, specifically focusing on discrepancies in records between 2023 and 2026.

The move comes after a delegation from the Temple Trust, including Chairman Sada Sarvankar, met with the Chief Minister. Sarvankar alleged that large-scale financial mismanagement occurred during the tenure of former trustees associated with the Thackeray faction. Additionally, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray has alleged that approximately ₹18 crore is being siphoned from temple donations annually.

A senior administrative officer at the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) level has been tasked with overseeing the inquiry and submitting a report. Authorities stated that if fraud is proven, legal and punitive action will be taken against the responsible officials and former office bearers.