Dharmashala manager booked for issuing fake entry passes at Sant Dnyaneshwar Temple. Forgery case filed after security catches fraudulent documents.
Alandi police registered a case against Shivaji Vishwanath Patil, manager of Dange Panch Dharmashala, for allegedly preparing and issuing forged entry passes for the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj temple. Tukaram Mane, office bearer of the temple management committee, filed the FIR after security guards discovered devotees entering with passes bearing forged signatures of Shri Yogi Niranjan Nath Guru Shantinath, the temple head. The temple issues special entry passes only for VIPs on important occasions, but Sunday had no such events scheduled.
Police Sub Inspector Tukaram Khadke confirmed devotees carrying fake passes were linked to Dange Panch Dharmashala. Authorities have booked Patil under BNS sections 340(1) and 340(2) for forgery, though no arrest has been made yet. A notice has been issued to the accused while investigation continues into the motive behind creating fraudulent passes. Police have found no financial fraud so far but are probing whether money was exchanged for preferential temple access.
The Sant Dnyaneshwar temple at Alandi houses the 13th century saint’s samadhi and ranks among Maharashtra’s most sacred Warkari pilgrimage sites. Forgery of temple entry documents represents serious breach of trust and temple protocol. Such fraud undermines legitimate access systems designed to manage crowds while ensuring VIP security. The investigation will determine whether this was isolated incident or part of larger racket exploiting devotees.
Follow for updates on investigation and temple security improvements.
