Maharashtra Assembly Erupts Over Temple Funding to Rape-Accused Astrologer's Trust
The Maharashtra state government's decision to allocate Rs 1.05 crore in 2018 for development works at Shree Ishaneshwar temple has triggered a major controversy in the legislative assembly. The temple, located in Mirgaon village of Sinnar taluka in Nashik district, was founded by astrologer Ashok Kharat (67), who was recently arrested in a rape case.
MLA Raises Concerns About Funding Approval Process
Raising the issue during assembly proceedings, NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad highlighted Kharat's controversial background. "His name surfaced in a Nashik-based reporter's murder case in 2007," Awhad stated. "A news series was published on his acts. If we give funds to establishments of such people, it will be like giving government approval to wrong practices such as black magic."
The MLA emphasized that providing state funds to institutions associated with individuals facing serious criminal allegations sets a dangerous precedent and could be interpreted as implicit government endorsement of questionable activities.
Government's Defense and Funding Details
According to a 2018 Government Resolution (GR), the funds were specifically earmarked for building facilities for devotees at Kharat's Shree Ishaneshwar temple, which operates under the banner of Sri Shivnika Sansthan. Responding to queries about the controversial allocation, minister of state for home Yogesh Kadam clarified that the funds were sanctioned exclusively for "visitors' facilities" rather than for "individual benefit."
The state government typically releases funds in a phased manner for development of religious and tourist destinations across Maharashtra. As per the tourism and cultural affairs department's 2018 GR:
- Out of the sanctioned Rs 1.05 crore (Rs 105.83 lakh), Rs 25 lakh was disbursed for Shree Ishaneshwar temple development
- The allocated money was utilized for constructing an assembly hall, public toilets, and changing rooms
- Additional funds were used for landscaping, gardening, and installing paver blocks on the temple premises
Demands for Investigation and Immediate Action
RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar has demanded a high-level inquiry by the state government and called for the arrest of all officials involved in the fund allocation process for Kharat's temple. "An investigation must uncover how the proposal for funding construction at this site reached the government," Kumbhar insisted. "Those responsible for drafting and executing it should be behind bars."
The controversy surrounding Shree Ishaneshwar temple intensified significantly after Nashik-based astrologer Ashok Kharat was arrested on March 18 in connection with a rape case. In response to growing public outrage, water resources minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil ordered an immediate review and potential cancellation of a 2020 order that had granted bulk water supply to Shri Shivanika Sansthan.
Broader Implications for Government Funding Policies
This incident has raised serious questions about the due diligence processes followed by government departments when approving funds for religious and cultural institutions. Critics argue that background checks on individuals associated with beneficiary organizations should be mandatory before any public funds are allocated.
The assembly debate has highlighted the need for more transparent and accountable mechanisms in the distribution of state resources, particularly when dealing with organizations linked to individuals facing criminal investigations or charges.
