The Madhya Pradesh government has ordered an investigation into an alleged donation scam and financial irregularities at the renowned Maa Baglamukhi Temple in Nalkheda, located in Agar Malwa district. According to officials, complaints have surfaced that an unauthorised parallel committee was operating within the temple premises, allegedly collecting cash donations and valuable ornaments from devotees while issuing fake receipts. Considering the seriousness of the allegations, the administration has constituted an inquiry committee to conduct a detailed investigation.
The Maa Baglamukhi Temple is one of the state’s prominent Shakti Peeths and attracts thousands of devotees from across the country every year. The temple is officially managed by a government-appointed management committee. However, it has been alleged that an unauthorised group was functioning alongside the official administration, accepting donations from devotees without the knowledge or approval of the authorised temple management.
According to the preliminary complaints, the alleged parallel committee accepted cash, gold and silver ornaments, and other valuable offerings from devotees in exchange for fake receipts. It is alleged that the money and valuables collected through this process were not deposited into the temple’s official accounts, resulting in financial losses and irregularities in the temple’s donation management system. Investigating agencies are now trying to determine how long the alleged operation continued and identify those involved.
Officials said the inquiry committee will examine the temple’s financial records, donation registers, receipt books and other relevant documents. Statements of temple employees, members of the management committee and other concerned individuals will also be recorded. If the allegations of financial misconduct and fraud are substantiated during the investigation, appropriate legal action will be initiated against those found responsible.
The issue has also triggered a political controversy in the state. The Congress party has criticised the State government and the ruling BJP, alleging that it failed to ensure transparency in the management of religious institutions. The party has demanded a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation, along with strict action against those found guilty.
Meanwhile, the administration has maintained that the investigation will be conducted in a transparent and impartial manner and that no one found responsible will be spared. Officials said that if sufficient evidence of financial irregularities, fraud or criminal conspiracy emerges during the inquiry, criminal proceedings will be initiated under the relevant legal provisions.
Sources associated with the temple administration said the investigation will also include an audit of the donation collection system, the official receipt mechanism and the accounting of offerings received by the temple. Investigators will further examine who authorised the alleged unauthorised committee to function within the temple premises and whether any officials or members of the management committee were aware of its activities.
The inquiry committee has begun collecting documents and gathering preliminary evidence. The administration said further action will be taken after the investigation report is submitted. In the meantime, regular religious activities and worship at the temple continue as usual, and devotees have been advised to make donations only through the officially authorised donation counters.
