Shirdi Trust scam : Hearing scheduled for 25th February on PIL filed by HJS

Issue of scam in things purchased for ‘Simhastha Kumbh Mela’ by Shirdi Sai Sansthan

Adverse effects of Govt. taking over temple management ! 

Sambhajinagar : Sai Sansthan Trust of Shirdi had purchased some costly things in the name of ‘Simhastha Kumbh Mela’ held at Nashik and Trimbakeshwar in 2015; without taking necessary permission of the Government. Few things had reached respective places after ‘Kumbh Mela’. Some of those things were purchased at double the average price. Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has filed ‘Public Interest Litigation (PIL)’ with Sambhajinagar Bench through advocates Suresh Kulkrani and Umesh Bhadgaonkar. The Court has assigned February 25th for its hearing.

Shirdi scam in brief ! 

Government’s permission is required if anything costing more than Rs.50, 000/- is to be purchased by Sai Sansthan; but all purchases in the name of ‘Kumbh Mela’ were made without State Government’s permission. The total purchases made were of Rs. 1, 45, 60,547/-. All the material was given to Shirdi police station on purchase which is still with them. Many things like tarpaulin, ropes etc are missing. Sai Sansthan has not even collected list/ report on these things from police. Many things had reached their respective places after ‘Kumbh Mela’ but Sansthan has made payment for them without checking; therefore, it is suspicious transaction. Material like tarpaulin and raincoats etc has been returned after rains. Issues like who authorized the expenses for barricades etc are still unanswered.