Gujarat NEWS : Financial Irregularities Emerge Against Ghantakarna Mahavir Mandir Trustees

GANDHINAGAR, GUJARAT : Serious allegations of financial misconduct have surfaced against the trustees of the renowned Ghantakarna Mahavir Mandir in Mahudi. Bhupendra Vora and Kamlesh Mehta, two trustees of the temple, are accused of significant financial irregularities involving over Rs. 14 crore in cash and 130 kg of gold.

The scandal, which has sent shockwaves through the local community, also implicates Mukesh Modi of Adarsh Bank. It is alleged that Vora and Mehta were engaged in illegal activities during the 2016 demonetization, exchanging old currency notes for a hefty 20% commission. According to the claims, these irregularities have been ongoing since 2012, highlighting a prolonged period of financial mismanagement and deceit.

Ankit Mehta, another trustee of the Mahudi temple, has come forward with these allegations, providing detailed accounts of the purported misconduct. “Two people from our trust, namely Bhupendra Vora and Kamlesh Mehta, exchanged money during demonetization, charging a 20% commission from people. These two also altered the Stock Registers of the temple, where all donations are recorded, so that the records of money exchanged during demonetization could not be found. We have filed a complaint with the office of the Joint Charity Commissioner, and the investigation is ongoing,” Ankit Mehta disclosed.

The allegations go beyond the currency exchange scheme. It is also claimed that properties acquired under the temple’s name were not duly recorded in the temple’s official books, raising concerns about the misuse of temple funds and assets. This aspect of the scandal suggests a broader scope of financial impropriety and lack of transparency within the trust’s operations.

The temple, known for its significant religious and cultural importance, is now under intense scrutiny as investigators delve into the records. The community and devotees are eagerly awaiting the results of the investigation by the Joint Charity Commissioner’s office, which will shed light on the veracity of these serious allegations.

If proven true, these revelations could lead to substantial legal repercussions for those involved and potentially restore financial accountability within the temple’s management. Meanwhile, the temple administration has pledged full cooperation with the investigation and a commitment to restoring the trust and faith of the devotees.