Maharashtra CM orders investigation into Siddhivinayak Temple financial records

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a probe into the financial records of the Siddhivinayak Temple following allegations of misappropriation. The directive requires the Home Affairs Department to examine the temple's accounts from 2022 to 2026. This decision follows a series of events involving the temple administration and local political figures.

The investigation was prompted by public allegations made by Raj Thackeray, who claimed that approximately 18 crore rupees were being misappropriated from the temple's donation boxes annually. Prior to the Chief Minister's order, an internal inquiry led by temple trust chairman Sada Sarvankar resulted in the arrest of nine employees accused of theft. The temple trust committee subsequently met with the Chief Minister to address the ongoing concerns regarding the institution's financial management.