Mumbai: Charity commissioner initiates inquiry into Radhe Maa’s trust

The inquiry was initiated after a complainant approached the charity commissioner and requested the authorities to look into the legality of the trust, which the self-styled godwoman claims to use for social welfare activities.

The Maharashtra Charity Commissioner has initiated an inquiry into ‘godwoman’ Radhe Maa’s charitable trust. The inquiry was initiated after a complainant approached the charity commissioner and requested the authorities to look into the legality of the trust, which the self-styled godwoman – whose real name is Sukhwinder Kaur – claims to use for social welfare activities. The complainant, Ramesh Joshi, has also written to the Income Tax department and Mumbai police commissioner about the trust.

Joshi said, “The trust that she runs under the name ‘Shri Radhe Guru Maa Charitable Trust’ is not registered with the charity commissioner’s office. In fact, officials there told me no trust in Radhe Maa’s name has been registered anywhere in Mumbai.”

Rajendra Nandankar, public relations officer for the charity commissioner’s office, said, “We received the complaint on Wednesday. It has been forwarded to the department that inspects trusts and conducts inquiries. Based on the department’s findings, the course of action will be decided as per the Maharashtra Public Trust Act, 1950.” Officials also said that Joshi’s statement will be recorded before any action is initiated.

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Joshi alleged, “[Radhe Maa] is running a business in the name of religion. She does not submit an audit report to the rightful authority.” In his complaint to the Income Tax department, Joshi has asked that officials investigate Kaur’s sources of income.

Meanwhile, the Kandivli police are investigating the dowry harassment case registered by Nikki Gupta against her husband, in-laws and Kaur. “We recorded the statements of the in-laws today. We are taking steps as instructed to by the court,” said Vikram Deshmane, deputy commissioner of police, zone XI.

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So, far, the Kandivli police have recorded the statements of six witnesses, apart from those of Gupta’s husband and in-laws. They have issued a summons to Radhe Maa, who will have to appear before the police to record her statement on or before Friday.

Despite repeated attempts, no one from the trust responded to HT’s calls.