Maharashtra CM Launches Investigation into Siddhivinayak Temple Donation Scandal

Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has ordered a detailed investigation into alleged donation irregularities at the Siddhivinayak Temple. This decision follows claims by Raj Thackeray that Rs 18 crore is misappropriated annually from the temple's funds. The investigation will review five years of financial records, and nine employees have already been arrested in connection with the allegations. The Chief Minister is seeking a prompt report on the findings, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 8, 2026, 14:16 IST

Investigation Ordered by Maharashtra Chief Minister

Mumbai: The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, has initiated a thorough investigation into alleged irregularities concerning donations at the renowned Siddhivinayak Temple. Officials have been instructed to review the temple's financial records from the past five years, as confirmed by an official on Saturday.

This directive follows serious allegations made by Raj Thackeray, the leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, who claimed that approximately Rs 18 crore was misappropriated each year from the temple's donations. This situation has led to the arrest of nine employees, alongside Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's call for independent inquiries.

Officials revealed that the investigation was prompted after a delegation from the Siddhivinayak Temple Trust met with Fadnavis, providing a comprehensive report on the temple's collections from 2023 to 2026.

The Chief Minister has requested the investigation report to be submitted as soon as possible.

Previously, Shinde had also called for an independent inquiry and directed officials to commence the investigation process.

The controversy gained traction after Thackeray's allegations surfaced, claiming that nearly Rs 18 crore was being siphoned off annually from the temple's donations.

In response to these claims, Sada Sarvankar, the chairman of the Siddhivinayak Temple Trust and a member of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, confirmed that nine employees were arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement.