Deputy CEO of Shani Shingnapur Temple Trust found dead amid corruption probe

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A senior police officer said they registered a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the alleged Shani Shingnapur Temple Trust scam three weeks ago. (Source: File)Amid an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the Shani Shingnapur temple in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district, the deputy chief executive officer of the temple trust was found dead at his residence on Monday morning.The police said the Deputy CEO, Nitin Shete, 43, allegedly died by suicide, though the cause of death is yet to be officially confirmed.According to officials, Shete was found dead in his room at his home in Shete Vasti, a locality in Shani Shingnapur village. The incident came to light when his family failed to get a response from him despite repeated knocks on his door. Neighbours helped the family force open the door, where they found Shete unresponsive. He was taken to a nearby hospital and declared dead on arrival.An officer from the local police station said, “An accidental death case has been registered. The exact cause will be known after the post-mortem report is received. We are also looking into whether the death is in any way connected to the ongoing investigation against the temple trust.”Shete, a former trustee, was currently serving as the Deputy CEO of the Shri Shaneshwar Devasthan Trust, which oversees the administration of the temple dedicated to Lord Shani.A senior police officer said they registered a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the alleged Shani Shingnapur Temple Trust scam three weeks ago, but Shete was not summoned to record his statement.Earlier this month, during the ongoing monsoon session of the state legislature, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly of a massive scam involving the trust. A report submitted by the charity commissioner flagged widespread irregularities, including the presence of over 2,400 ghost employees, inflated payrolls, and fraudulent donation apps used to siphon funds into private accounts.Story continues below this adDepartments, including the trust hospital, bhakt niwas, parking, and sanitation, were reportedly affected, with large discrepancies between official employee figures and those physically verified on site.The chief minister had stated that the trustees would be booked under criminal charges and that external agencies would be roped in for a comprehensive audit. He also said that the assets of those involved would be scrutinised.The issue was raised in the Assembly by MLA Vithhal Langhe and supported by MLA Suresh Dhas. Fadnavis assured the House that no one involved in the alleged wrongdoing would be spared.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Shani Shingnapur temple