14 April,2026 04:48 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondent
The scam came to light after two devotees from Nashik alleged they were cheated at the temple on April 11. Representational pic
In a âcash for darshan' scam at Maharashtra's famous Trimbakeshwar temple, a trustee of the Trimbakeshwar Devasthan Trust was arrested on Tuesday by Nashik Rural police in connection with an alleged VIP entry racket involving devotees.
The arrested trustee has been identified as Purushottam Kadlag. Police said the arrest was made at around 1 am as part of an evidence-based investigation. So far, two persons have been arrested in the case, while others are under the scanner.
Superintendent of Police (Nashik Rural) Balasaheb Patil said, "We have arrested the trustee. It is an evidence-based action. Some more names have come to the fore and after verification, they will also be arrested."
The scam came to light after two devotees from Nashik alleged they were cheated at the temple on April 11. The devotees already had official Rs 200 darshan passes but were allegedly approached by agents who offered a "VIP darshan" within 10 minutes in exchange for an additional Rs 3,000 per person. No receipt was issued for the extra payment.
Following the complaint, police registered a case against Gotiram Manaji Peher (41) and Abhishek Kadlag, who is the nephew of the arrested trustee. Peher has already been arrested, while Abhishek remains absconding.
Police said further investigation revealed the possible involvement of the trustee after interrogation of an associate. Officials added that agents operating around the temple premises targeted devotees seeking quicker darshan due to long queues.
"They used to collect money from devotees promising VIP darshan without receipts and also facilitated group bookings to earn money daily," police said.
Investigators said the racket exploited the heavy rush of devotees, many of whom travel long distances and prefer faster access due to time constraints. The accused allegedly bypassed official systems by offering unauthorised entry routes in exchange for cash.
Trimbakeshwar temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracts lakhs of devotees throughout the year, especially during Shravan and major religious occasions. Officials said the Rs 200 darshan pass is the only authorised quick-entry facility.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are likely. The case has raised concerns over alleged internal involvement and lapses in temple management systems.
Authorities have urged devotees to use only official channels for darshan and report any suspicious activity involving unauthorised agents.
(With PTI inputs)
