Saptashrungi Devi Temple Silver Irregularity: Precious Metal Allegedly Removed At Night; Probe Ordered

An irregularity has been reported in the silver used for carvings at the  Saptashrungi Devi Temple, a major pilgrimage site in Vani near Nashik that attracts lakhs of devotees. According to reports, the Divisional Commissioner’s office suggested that silver was allegedly removed from the sanctum sanctorum at night while the temple manager, Sudarshan Dahatonde, was on leave.

According to records, around 406 kg of silver had been used for the carvings in the sanctum. However, a recent verification found only 383 kg and 703 grams available, raising suspicion of possible misappropriation.

Social activist Vithoba Dayandyan has demanded that criminal cases be registered against the then trust president, trustees and concerned officials. He has also called for the recovery of the missing silver along with interest.

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The complaint has been submitted to the Divisional Commissioner, following which orders have been issued to conduct an investigation. Additional Commissioner (Revenue) Jitendra Wagh has directed officials to probe the matter.

The District Collector’s office has also instructed the Assistant District Collector (Kalvan), Tehsildar Kalvan and trust officials to carry out a detailed inquiry and submit a report. The directions were issued through Resident Deputy District Collector Rohit Kumar Rajput.

Dayandyan has sought action under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 409, 420 and 120(B), alleging breach of trust, cheating and criminal conspiracy.