Rohidas Jadhav says Mandal generates a lot of revenue through advertising in two publications, but takes 40% payment in cash
The organisers of the most attended Ganpati pandal in Mumbai are under the scanner: a former member of the executive committee, a former vice-president, no less, holds that the Mandal's dealings are tainted and corrupt.
In November 2017, Rohidas Jadhav had made these accusations in an 'evidence affidavit' filed with the Assistant Charity Commissioner. The commission had disposed of it, after hearing both sides, but Jadhav says he is yet to get a copy of the order 8 months later. It's an important document because he wants to escalate the matter to a higher authority and cannot do so without the order copy. Jadhav has been a member of the executive committee since 1995 and was vice-president of the board for some time.
His contention is corrupt practices are embedded in the Board's advertising system. The board generates money annually through advertising in its two publications. However, there is no contract or paperwork in these dealings. "Sixty per cent of the amount of an advertisement is paid by cheque, while the remaining is paid in cash," says the affidavit.
"Several complaints have been filed against the managing committee members, except the opponent (Jadhav)... Even (sic) there is no clause to remove the managing committee members, and their yes man (is) harassing the family including the opponent to not to proceed with the matter."
The affidavit also accuses the Board of corrupt activities in other areas. In a General Meeting of the Board, it was decided to buy a flat in Residency Tower, Lalbaug, to set up an office for the Board.
Jadhav says there were discrepancies in the proposed flat sale. The application was in name of Indu Mahendra Shah, however, in the civic body's documents, the name of the owner is listed as Vinod Shah.
Also, he says in his affidavit, the Mandal does not mention its source of income and how it intends to repay the amount. Jadhav was also opposed to the purchase of the property, fearing there would be a loss of public funds in the event of a dispute about ownership.
Assistant Charity Commissioner MD Gade said the matter had been disposed of by the Commission. Now, one-and-half-years later, activists are urging a third-party audit to look into these alleged instances of misappropriation and corruption. "Now, even the Mandal's office bearers and members have begun complaining about it. I request the charity commissioner to appoint a third-party auditor to conduct a fair and neutral investigation into the Mandal's accounts," said Mangesh Vengurlekar.
Mandal secretary, Sudhir Salvi, informed DNA that their paperwork is sound and they are ready for any audit. "The festival is on and you are welcome to visit," said Salvi. "Anyone is free to conduct a third-party audit. Our audit reports are clear. We have faith in law and order, and judiciary of the country. We are ready for any investigation."
The Accusations
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| Rohidas Jadhav says Mandal generates a lot of revenue through advertising in two publications, but takes 40% payment in cash |
He also accused them of wheeling-dealing in the purchase of an apartment in Lalbaug for an office for the Mandal
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| While his affidavit was disposed of by the Assistant Charity Commissioner in 2017, Jadhav says he is yet to get a copy of the order |
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