2025.01.04 (Vrindavan Today News): In a shocking incident at the Krishna-Balarama ISKCON Temple, a staff member from the Membership Department has allegedly fled with donation receipts and funds amounting to crores. The temple’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) filed a formal complaint, leading to the registration of a case under the direct orders of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).
The accused, identified as Murli Dhar Das, son of Nimai Chand Yadav, is a resident of Shri Ram Colony, Rauganj vasa Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and was temporarily residing near the Overbridge in Chhattikara, under Jaint Police Station. He was entrusted with the responsibility of issuing receipts to donors contributing to the temple.
Allegations of Embezzlement
The allegations state that Murli Dhar Das illegally kept 32 receipt books belonging to the temple and misappropriated the funds collected through donations. It is believed that he absconded with the donation money without depositing it into the temple’s official accounts.When temple authorities attempted to contact him and demand the return of the receipt books and funds, the accused allegedly issued threats to their lives.On December 27, the temple’s CFO, Shri Vishnunam Das, filed a formal complaint with the SSP, detailing the incident. Following an investigation, the SSP directed the Kotwali police to register a case against Murli Dhar Das. The matter is currently being investigated by Ramnareti Police Outpost Incharge, Shivsharan Singh.
Temple’s Statement
Talking to ‘Vrindavan Today’ on phone Shri Ravilochan Das, the temple’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), confirmed the incident, stating that Murli Dhar Das had fled with the receipt books and the donation funds. “The exact amount of the embezzled funds and the sources of the donations will only be determined once the missing receipt books are recovered,” he added.
The police authorities are actively pursuing the accused and have assured the temple management that stringent action will be taken against him. The incident has raised serious concerns regarding the management of donations in places of worship and the accountability of staff handling significant financial transactions.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in donation management systems and highlights the need for stricter oversight to prevent such breaches of trust in revered institutions.
