MP Temple Donation Scam: Probe Ordered into Alleged Parallel Racket
The Madhya Pradesh government has constituted a three-member committee to investigate allegations of a parallel donation racket, fraud, and financial irregularities at the Maa Baglamukhi Temple in Nalkheda, Agar Malwa district, officials said.
The temple is managed by a government-appointed committee. Complaints suggest that an unauthorised group was operating within the temple premises, collecting cash and jewellery donations by issuing fake receipts. The probe committee, led by zila panchayat CEO B. S. Solanki, has been directed to submit its report within seven days.
The order by District Collector Preeti Yadav, issued on July 7, 2024, states that the committee will investigate the amount of cash and ornaments received by unauthorised persons and whether any temple staff or officials were involved. The total value of the alleged fraud is yet to be determined, but authorities believe it could be significant. An official noted that the racket appeared organised, with receipts and counters enabling the collection of jewellery.
State Culture Minister (independent charge) Dharmendra Singh Lodhi said the issue came to his notice on July 7, and he directed the collector to act. He stated that those illegally collecting money using the temple's name would face strict action. Lodhi also announced that all state-administered temples, currently audited periodically, would now be audited every three months, and the government plans to introduce a digital donation system to enhance transparency.
The minister did not specify how long the alleged racket had been operating, saying the investigation would reveal details.
The controversy has drawn political reactions. Congress MLA and Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, Umang Singhar, criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming that under its governance, temple treasuries are unsafe. He referenced a previous theft at the Ayodhya Ram Temple and an unresolved case at the Raja Ram Sarkar Temple in Orchha, questioning whether the current probe would yield results.
