Donation row over 'Paduka Darshan' event in Latur; police complaint filed

A controversy has erupted over the accounting of donations collected for a religious event in Latur district of Maharashtra with a complaint submitted to the Superintendent of Police SP by a section of organisers alleging irregularity.

A controversy has erupted over the accounting of donations collected for a religious event in Latur district of Maharashtra with a complaint submitted to the Superintendent of Police (SP) by a section of organisers alleging irregularity. Latur SP Amol Tambe on Wednesday said the complaint, submitted on Tuesday, has been forwarded to the MIDC police station inspector in the city for inquiry. Police said no FIR has been registered so far. According to the complaint, the event was held from February 22 to March 2 at Khandapur village in the district, featuring a 'Paduka Darshan' ceremony and a week-long religious programme that reportedly involved expenditure running into crores of rupees. The sacred 'padukas' (footwear) of well-known saints from the Warkari tradition (a Bhakti movement in Maharashtra focused on worshipping Lord Vitthal) were brought to Latur by a special helicopter from Dehu and Alandi in Pune district. The event was part of commemorative programmes marking the 750th birth anniversary of Sant Dnyaneshwar, along with tributes to Sant Namdev, Sant Janabai and remembrance events for Sant Tukaram Maharaj. Complainants have alleged that one of the Maharajs (a religious figure in the Warkari tradition) associated with the event has failed to present an account of the remaining funds. It was earlier decided that the surplus amount would be used for the construction of a temple dedicated to Sant Tukaram Maharaj. The complaint has been filed by four individuals who were among members who organised the religious event. The complainants have demanded a detailed inquiry and registration of a case. The accused Maharaj, however, has denied the allegations, stating he is willing to face any investigation and claiming the complaint was part of a conspiracy against him.