Some people illegally collected offerings by issuing receipts outside Baglamukhi temple: MP minister

Bhopal, Jul 8 (PTI) Amid complaints about the collection of donations at the famous Maa Baglamukhi Mandir in Madhya Pradesh, state minister Dharmendra Lodhi on Wednesday said some individuals had illegally collected offerings by issuing receipts outside the shrine, and assured strict action. He said a committee has been formed and the culprits will face the strictest action. Amid allegations of theft of offerings at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the administration of Agar Malwa district on Tuesday ordered a probe into complaints of a non-government agency collecting money and jewellery from devotees at the Maa Baglamukhi Mandir in Nalkheda. The ancient temple is a famous 'Siddhapeeth' where politicians frequently perform rituals and 'havans', especially during the election season. "This (Maa Baglamukhi donation) matter has come to my notice. Some people were making illegal collections by issuing receipts outside the temple. I immediately instructed the collector to take action," Minister of State for Tourism and Culture, Dharmendra Lodhi, told PTI Videos. He said a committee has been formed, and the whoever is involved will not be spared. He said the Government Temple Committee will be audited, and instructions have been given to conduct audits every three months. The minister further said that a project is being developed to allow donations through QR codes. "Devotees are requested to donate thoughtfully. Donating to the right place will ensure that donations reach the right place," he added. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh assembly, Umang Singhar, on Wednesday said the "irregularities" raise serious questions regarding the management of temples in the state. "The entire country is aware of the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple in Uttar Pradesh. Even God's treasury is no longer safe under the BJP rule. "First, Champat Rai disappeared with donations from the Ayodhya Ram Temple, and now, irregularities have surfaced in the management of gold and silver jewellery and offerings at the Maa Baglamukhi Temple," he said. The Congress leader wondered whether the Ujjain Mahakal Temple will also become the target of such illegal practices. "Previously, a case of missing cash and jewellery from the Raja Ram Sarkar Temple in Orchha had surfaced. Nine years later, no clue has been found," he claimed. Questioning the "silence" of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Singhar expressed apprehension over the investigation. "Will this case also be buried like other files, or will action be taken against the culprits? The people of the state demand answers," he said. Officials had said that Agar Malwa collector Preeti Yadav constituted a committee headed by the district panchayat CEO to investigate the matter and submit a report within seven days. It was alleged that a non-government agency was receiving donations in cash and gold and silver jewellery from devotees within the temple premises, separate from the government management committee. The three-member investigation team is headed by B S Solanki, Chief Executive Officer, District Panchayat, and includes Manish Solanki, District Treasury Officer, and Mini Agarwal, Chief Municipal Officer, Municipal Council, Nalkheda. The committee will also verify the amount of cash, gold, and silver received, and scrutinise the financial accounts based on receipt books, bank accounts, and other records, besides investigating the involvement of any government official or employee, officials had said. PTI MAS NSK