New Delhi: After Ayodhya and Badrinath, allegations of financial irregularity have enveloped another temple in a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled state, with allegations surfacing at the Maa Baglamukhi temple at Nalkheda in Madhya Pradesh. The government has ordered an inquiry into the alleged wrongdoing, Agar Malwa Collector Preeti Yadav constituting a three-member committee to investigate allegations related to cash, gold and silver offerings at the temple.
The order says that it has been alleged that a non-governmental committee has been separately collecting donations from devotees in cash, gold, and silver ornaments, independent of the government-appointed management committee, at the Maa Baglamukhi temple. “Allegations have also been made regarding the use of private bank accounts and financial irregularities,” it said.
“To examine whether any parallel arrangement is being operated within the temple premises by any non-government/unregistered committee for receiving donations or offerings, and to determine responsibility and accountability,” reads the order issued by the Collector regarding the key points of the investigation to be conducted by the committee. The committee will also verify the amount of cash, gold, and silver received, as well as the financial accounts and records, based on relevant receipt books, bank accounts, and other records.
The inquiry panel will be headed by District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer B.S. Solanki, with District Treasury Officer Manish Solanki and Nalkheda Municipal Council Chief Municipal Officer Mini Agrawal as members. The committee will also examine the involvement or responsibility of any government officer, employee, temple management or any other concerned persons in the matter.
“The investigation team should immediately inspect the temple premises, examine the necessary records, collect statements of the concerned parties and necessary evidence and ensure to submit its clear investigation report along with its opinion and recommendations to the undersigned within seven days,” Yadav said.
Speaking to ThePrint, Madhya Pradesh BJP spokesperson Hitesh Bajpai said an order has been issued to probe the allegations. “We will take strict action against anyone found guilty of these allegations. No one will be spared. As far as other temples in the state are concerned we will ensure that the system being followed there is foolproof,” he added.
The allegations at the Badrinath and Baglamukhi temples have surfaced amid an ongoing probe into similar charges at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, where eight persons were arrested and several top temple management committee members stepped down.
The Uttarakhand government has also formed a three-member committee on the directions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to probe alleged irregularities and complaints related to donations and offerings at Badrinath Dham.
(Edited by Nardeep Singh Dahiya)