Navi Mumbai/Correspondent : The trustees and office bearers of Shiv Sai Mandir Pratishtan, located at Plot No. 3, Sector-8, Artist Village, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, have been served a legal notice by the News Media Journalist Association, represented by its President, Sudip Dilip Gholap. The notice, issued through legal counsel Adv. Sushant Joshi, demands the submission of audited financial reports and related documentation spanning the last 10 years, citing concerns over transparency and potential financial mismanagement within the trust.

In the notice, Gholap, a resident of Sector-8, CBD Belapur, stated that as part of his journalistic and investigative duties, he had repeatedly sought access to the trust’s financial records since its inception. The request was made to ensure accountability in the trust’s operations, given its involvement in public religious affairs. However, despite multiple attempts through personal visits and meetings with the trust’s office bearers, the required documents have not been provided, raising suspicions about the financial integrity of the Pratishtan.

The notice highlights preliminary findings by Gholap, based on stakeholder testimonies and available information, which suggest possible inconsistencies pointing to financial mismanagement or fraudulent practices. It warns that without the submission of audited reports, the possibility of fund misappropriation cannot be dismissed. The association has demanded the following documents within 15 days:

1. Audited financial statements, including balance sheets, income-expenditure accounts, and audit reports since the trust’s formation.
2. Details of donations, including donor names, amounts, and modes of receipt.
3. Expenditure details with vouchers and receipts for the past 10 years.
4. Bank account statements reflecting all trust-related transactions over the last decade.
5. Minutes of trustee meetings and resolutions concerning financial matters for the same period.

Failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe, the notice warns, will lead to escalated legal action. This includes lodging a complaint with the Charity Commissioner’s Office for violations under the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, filing a criminal case under the Bhartiy Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for misappropriation, breach of trust, and fraud, or referring the matter to the Income Tax Department and Economic Offences Wing for probes into tax evasion and fund misuse. Additionally, the association has threatened public disclosure through media platforms regarding the lack of transparency and suspected irregularities.

“This notice is a final opportunity for the trust to fulfill its legal obligations,” the document states, adding that non-compliance will force the association to pursue all available legal remedies at the trust’s risk and cost. The notice emphasizes that it is issued without prejudice to other rights and remedies available under the law, which the association reserves the right to exercise.

The development has sparked concern among local residents, with many awaiting the trust’s response to these serious allegations. The trustees of Shiv Sai Mandir Pratishtan have yet to comment publicly on the matter.