Vrindavan: Police have registered a case against an unidentified person for allegedly soliciting online donations from devotees in the name of organising a Deepdaan festival at the Shri Banke Bihari Temple during the holy month of Kartik.
Posters appealing for online contributions were reportedly put up around the temple, carrying a mobile number and a UPI ID. Following a complaint, police have begun investigating the matter and are attempting to identify those behind the posters.
Devotees’ Faith Allegedly Targeted Through Posters
Deepdaan holds special religious significance at the Banke Bihari Temple during Kartik, when devotees from across the country visit Vrindavan and participate in religious rituals.
Taking advantage of the occasion, unidentified individuals allegedly displayed posters near the temple, asking devotees to transfer money online for a Deepdaan Mahotsav. The presence of a mobile number and UPI ID on the posters raised concerns among people associated with the temple.
How Did the Matter Reach the Police?
Temple servitor Sumit Goswami took up the issue and submitted a complaint before the temple’s High-Power Committee. The matter was subsequently brought to the attention of the police.
Treating the fundraising appeal as suspicious, police initiated an investigation. A case has been registered on the complaint of Shiv Kumar Sharma, in-charge of the Banke Bihari Temple police outpost.
Mobile Number and UPI ID Under Investigation
Police are examining the mobile number and UPI ID printed on the posters to establish who arranged for them to be displayed and whether any money was collected from devotees.
Investigators are also checking whether the organisers had obtained permission from any authorised organisation or the temple management to seek donations for the proposed Deepdaan Mahotsav.
Further action will depend on the findings of the investigation.
