- Trust leadership rejects accusations as baseless, presents audited reports and documentary evidence to defend integrity
- Clarifies removal of certain individuals from membership citing criminal background and disciplinary action
- Trustees explain gold purchases, locker safeguards and appointment process amid misappropriation claims
- Properties acquired solely for religious needs of Jain monks and nuns, not personal use, trustees assert
- Trust official pledges resignation if even one gram of gold misuse is proven, reaffirming accountability
NE NEWS BUREAU
Ahmedabad, FEB 14
The trustees of Shri Mahudi (Madhupuri) Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Trust Sangh held a press conference in Ahmedabad on Friday to formally rebut allegations recently made against the Trust, asserting that the claims are unfounded and supported their position with documentary evidence, audited financial records and governance documents.
The Trust, which manages the revered Mahudi Tirth—a prominent Jain pilgrimage centre dedicated to Ghantakarna Mahavir—said the clarifications were necessary to maintain transparency and uphold the faith of devotees.
At the outset, trustees stated that Ankit Shrenikbhai Mehta and Jayeshbhai Mehta were removed from the general membership of the Mahudi Sangh last year. According to the Trust, the action was taken “in view of their criminal background and in order to preserve the dignity and integrity of the Sangh.” Trustees further alleged that despite their removal, both individuals are misrepresenting themselves as trustees or members, thereby misleading devotees and attempting to defame the institution.
The Trust also referred to earlier internal disciplinary action involving a former trustee, Rashmibhai Mehta, who was asked to resign in 2012 after allegedly being found accepting commission from a contractor. Subsequently, his relative, Sunilbhai Mehta, filed a complaint at Mansa Police Station alleging theft of 65 kilograms of gold. Trustees said that following investigation, police reportedly found no substance in the complaint and dismissed the allegations.
Addressing more recent incidents, trustees stated that in 2023, two individuals— Nilesh Mehta and Sunil Mehta—were allegedly caught on CCTV removing items from the temple treasury (Bhandar) at Mahudi Tirth. According to the Trust, both individuals were removed immediately, and trustees alleged that current accusations stem from personal vendetta following disciplinary action.
Responding directly to claims of gold misappropriation, trustees asserted that all gold used in temple embellishments was legally procured through tax-paid invoices, with entries duly recorded in audited reports covering the period from 2017 to 2025. They also clarified the scope of laboratory testing reports, stating that such reports determine the purity of gold but do not establish its weight.
Trustees explained that the Trust’s locker system incorporates multiple safeguards to prevent unauthorized access. Each locker requires three separate keys held by different trustees, ensuring that no single individual can independently access or remove valuables.
The Trust further rejected allegations that the current trustees were appointed illegally, presenting records showing that trustee appointments were conducted every three years between 2002 and 2020. Trustees said the documentation includes signatures of support from individuals who are now among the critics.
On the issue of property acquisitions in Ahmedabad, trustees clarified that residential properties, including flats and bungalows, were purchased in the Trust’s name exclusively to serve religious purposes. These facilities, they said, provide accommodation and care arrangements for Jain monks and nuns who traditionally travel on foot and require temporary shelter, Gochari (ritual food arrangements), and medical rest during illness.
Emphasising accountability, Trustee Bhupendrabhai Vora publicly reaffirmed the Trust’s commitment to transparency and religious duty. He said, “If even one gram of gold is proven to have been misappropriated or mismanaged by the Trust or any trustee, I am prepared to resign from all positions within the Trust.”
Trust officials said the press conference was intended to reassure devotees and clarify facts, while reiterating their commitment to lawful governance, proper financial management, and preservation of religious traditions.
