The board of Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple has reported an ₹18 crore shortfall in donations, leading to the arrest of nine workers and suspension of 46 employees. The board attributes the gap to loopholes in the donation collection process and has written to the Anti-Corruption Department seeking an inquiry. All nine arrested workers are out on bail.
The development follows a claim by Raj Thackeray that donations were stolen at the temple. The trust board has responded to the allegation, pointing to the loopholes and the requested inquiry.
Siddhivinayak is counted among the wealthiest temples in India, attracting a growing number of devotees annually. It reportedly recorded revenue of Rs 182 crore in the 2025-26 financial year.