Demand for probe into 2015 Nashik Kumbh Mela

In a letter addressed to Ministry of Law and Justice, Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad (HVP) has demanded an enquiry against Shri Sai Sansthan Trust, Shirdi

Devotee groups have alleged that there has been an ‘exorbitant purchase’ of materials required for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2015, which was held in Nashik.

Kumbha mela is a religious gathering that takes place periodically at four locations across the country every three years. (HT FILE)

In a letter addressed to Ministry of Law and Justice, Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad (HVP) has demanded an enquiry against Shri Sai Sansthan Trust, Shirdi.

Virendra Ichalkaranjikar, national president, Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad, “When we asked for the required information through Right to Information (RTI), it was found that various commodities such as ropes, rechargeable torches, signboards and were purchased at overpriced rates, which totals to ₹66,55,997.”

Ichalkaranjikar added that the Joint Secretary of Ministry of Law and Justice had in 2016 asked the temple trust to respond to them with the details of items which were purchased at an inflated price, a copy of which is with HT. On the basis of which, HVP has demanded the enquiry.

The letter says that Manila rope worth ₹60,000 was purchased for ₹18,50,000, rechargeable torches worth ₹400 each were bought for ₹3,000 each, signboards worth 2,000 each for ₹ 9,2000 and tarpaulin sheet worth ₹5,000 for ₹22,575.

“When the temple trust through RTI was asked where the products such as LED TVs, air conditioners, computers and printers which were purchased during the Kumbh Mela were, they responded that they have been kept with Ahmednagar police. I wonder what would police do with these products and how can they be used for centenary year celebration of Sai baba in 2018, when the value of these products deteriorates over the years,” said Satish Kochrekar, spokesperson of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS),

Despite repeated calls, officials of Shri Sai Sansthan Trust were unavailable for comments.

Kumbha mela is a religious gathering that takes place periodically at four locations across the country every three years.