Criminal cases filed against former trust chairman, trustees, and responsible officials
Nashik, Maharashtra – Over 22.5 kg of silver used in the carvings of the temple at Saptashrungi Gad, a revered site for lakhs of devotees, has reportedly gone missing.
A shocking case of alleged silver theft has come to light at the revered Saptashrungi Devi Temple in Nashik, one of Maharashtra’s Sadeteen Shakti Peethas. As per old records, 406 kg of silver was used for temple decorative work, but a physical count revealed only 383 kg 703… pic.twitter.com/MmyAW4EOSV
— Pune Mirror (@ThePuneMirror) April 23, 2026
A departmental enquiry by the Divisional Commissioner’s office revealed that the silver from the sanctum (garbhagriha) was removed at night by trustees while the temple manager, Sudarshan Dahatonde was on leave.
Criminal cases have been registered against the then trust chairman, trustees, and other responsible officials. Social activist Vithoba Dnyandyan has demanded that the value of the missing silver be recovered with interest. He has also filed a complaint with the District Collector and the Divisional Commissioner.
Key findings from the enquiry
- According to earlier records, approximately 406 kg of silver had been used for the carvings in the sanctum. However, upon actual verification, only 383.7 kg were found.
- Additional Commissioner (Revenue) Jitendra Wagh has ordered an inquiry. The District Collector’s office has also directed the Assistant Collector (Kalwan), the Tehsildar of Kalwan, or the Trust’s Executive Officer to conduct a detailed investigation and submit a report. A demand has also been made to register criminal cases in this matter.
- A similar case of irregularities in temple management had earlier come to light at Shri Kshetra Trimbakeshwar. It is suspected that, as in that case, a deeper investigation here may reveal further serious irregularities by former trustees.
- The Saptashrungi Trust had passed a resolution on 15 September 2021 to remove the silver during the daytime. However, the very next night, the silver from the sanctum was removed in the absence of a valuer. A letter written by manager Dahatonde to the chairman and the Charity Commissioner serves as evidence. It is alleged that the trustees later conspired against Dahatonde and initiated suspension proceedings against him.
Editorial Perspective
- This is a consequence of government control over temples. Those responsible for the disappearance of the silver deserve strict punishment, including life imprisonment.
- Hindus must unite and demand that temples be handed back to devotees so that the sanctity of these sacred places can be restored.
— Editor, HJS