Scam of Rs. 1.62 crores in Shri Tuljabhavani Devi fair, cases filed

Cases filed against 28 persons including 10 contractors and 15 municipal councilors 

Temples taken over by the Govt. should be handed over to devotees for managing so as to prevent recurring incidents of scams ! – Editor, Dainik Sanatan Prabhat

Dharashiv : It has been reported that the grant given for Shri Tuljabhavanidevi Fair for the year 2011, there was a scam of Rs. 1 crore 62 lakhs. The then Mayor of Tuljapur Municipality Archana Gangane, the then Chief Officer Santosh Tengale and accountant Avinash Raut have been accused of misappropriation of funds. Cases have been filed against 28 persons with Tuljapur police station including 10 contractors and 15 municipal councilors. Such cases were filed after receiving inquiry report prepared by Dy. zonal officer and special Accountant appointed for the purpose.

1. In the year 2011, there was misappropriation of funds during Navaratri festival. Under the guise of providing facilities to devotees, the fund was embezzled by showing fake contractors and using fake stamps, letterheads etc.

2. Payments were made without undertaking actual work related to cleaning, decorations, lighting, water –supply, road-repairing etc. Assistant Superintendent of Police Rajtilak Roshan was assigned the job of investigations. Since filing of the cases, all eminent accused are absconding.

3. Tuljabhavani Mandir has become a centre of corruption and demand is being made to appoint an independent officer of the status of District Collector for management of the temple.

Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat