Mumbai: Siddhivinayak Temple Trust Appoints New Executive Officer As Donation Controversy Intensifies

Mumbai's Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust appointed Rakhi Chavan as its new Executive Officer on Thursday, August 13, amid intensified scrutiny over the temple's handling of donations. Chavan's appointment follows the government's decision to replace Veena More-Patil, who faced allegations related to the administration of the temple trust. The government plans to appoint an Executive Secretary from ministerial departments, with applications invited from interested officers.

The appointment of Chavan arises from allegations of significant misappropriation of donations, with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray claiming that up to Rs 18 crore was being embezzled annually. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a probe into the allegations, while Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde tasked Additional Chief Secretary Aseem Gupta with an inquiry into the temple's donations and accounts.

The controversy stems from a theft case in March, where Dadar Police arrested a temple employee accused of stealing cash from donation boxes. CCTV footage showed the employee removing currency notes from a donation box inside the priests' room, with police estimating the amount involved at around Rs 10,000. Investigations determined if others were involved.

In response to the controversy, the temple trust announced its Siddhi entrance will remain closed to devotees from August 17 to allow for beautification and redevelopment work on the temple premises. Devotees will be allowed entry through the Riddhi entrance for darshan during this period. The beautification project, inaugurated on May 25 alongside Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, and Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi, aims to enhance the temple's appearance. The trust has urged devotees to cooperate with the ongoing arrangements.