Shani Shingnapur Temple Fake App Scam Police Probe Stalls
• Probe Stuck, No Arrests
• Devotees Duped, Probe Stalled
• Crores Lost, Justice Awaits
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
The investigation into the Shani Shingnapur Temple fake app scam has stalled, with no arrests made despite crores in donations being misappropriated. Police have questioned 38 individuals and scrutinized 20 bank accounts but cite non-cooperation from temple officials. The probe remains ongoing amid calls for accountability and justice.
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Shani Shingnapur Temple Fake App Scam: Police Probe Stalls Amid High-Profile Controversy
The investigation into a sophisticated fake mobile application scam involving Maharashtra’s renowned Shani Shingnapur Temple has reportedly stalled, drawing criticism from stakeholders and devotees. Despite the issue being raised in the state legislative assembly and involving alleged financial irregularities worth crores of rupees, progress remains slow. Police Inspector Moreshwar Pendam, the investigating officer, confirmed that the probe is “ongoing” but no arrests have been made to date.
Scope of the Scam and Initial Inaction
The fake app scandal came to light after complaints that unauthorized applications were soliciting donations in the name of the Shani Shingnapur Temple. Although the temple trust did not initially file a complaint, police registered a case suo motu after the matter was raised in the legislature. The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) has learned that the temple had officially authorized only three apps, but at least seven were found operating illegally, diverting crores of rupees from devotees.
Police Response and Internal Challenges
The case was assigned to the Cyber Crime Branch, but sources indicate that the inquiry has been hampered by a lack of cooperation from key temple officials. Two summons were issued to the temple’s Chief Executive Officer seeking clarifications on donation records, but the required information was not provided. In a tragic turn, Deputy CEO Nitin Shete died by suicide during this period, further complicating the investigation.
Current Status of the Investigation
According to Inspector Pendam, 38 individuals—including trustees, employees, and priests—have been questioned so far. Twenty bank accounts linked to the scam have been scrutinized to trace transaction trails. Despite these efforts, the Sprouts News SIT has found that the probe lacks momentum, with no chargesheets filed or arrests made even two months after the case was registered.
Also Read: Delhi HC Evicts GMR Group CMD from Pushpanjali Farms Residence in Bijwasan.
Legal and Administrative Hurdles
The police have now sought advice from government lawyers on how to proceed, particularly given the religious and political sensitivity of the case. Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge had earlier promised swift action, but little has materialized. The Sprouts News SIT will continue to monitor whether this high-profile case leads to accountability or remains stuck in procedural delays.
This case highlights urgent concerns about cyber fraud exploiting religious institutions and the effectiveness of state mechanisms in responding to complex financial crimes.
