Liquor party, donation fraud uncovered at Junagadh Ambaji temple, multiple cases filed

The Gujarat government’s inquiry into alleged misconduct at Junagadh’s Ambaji Temple has confirmed that a liquor and non-vegetarian party was held within the shrine premises, alongside instances of alleged misappropriation of donation funds, prompting the registration of multiple criminal cases.

The probe report, recently submitted to the district administration, confirmed that the incident took place on October 22, 2025. Based on the findings, three separate offences have been registered at Bhavnath Police Station, including charges of hurting religious sentiments, organising a prohibited liquor and non-vegetarian gathering within temple premises, and cheating and breach of trust involving donation funds.

Officials said the complaints were filed by the local Mamlatdar (administrator), who personally approached the police to initiate legal action. The investigation also revealed that those involved were followers of Mahant Tansukhgiri.

According to Anil Ranavasiya, the inquiry conducted by the Provincial Officer brought to light two major incidents.

In the first case, a liquor and non-vegetarian party was allegedly held inside the temple. During the absence of Priest Kishore Chauhan, his son Abhishek Chauhan was overseeing rituals and is accused of inviting friends to the premises. Investigators found that six individuals consumed alcohol in a section of the temple and later ate non-vegetarian food in a storeroom.

In the second case, evidence, including CCTV footage, indicated that unauthorised individuals were performing religious services and collecting offerings from devotees. These individuals allegedly diverted donations by placing cloths or utensils near the donation box and keeping the collected money without depositing it into the temple trust.

Police said three complaints have been registered in total, including two by the Mamlatdar and one by a private individual, over hurting religious sentiments.

The investigation further revealed that an individual named Chhagan Dabhi allegedly brought liquor and non-vegetarian food to the temple via ropeway or steps. Those named in the case include Abhishek Chauhan, two minors, Chhagan Dabhi, Nikhil Meghnathi and Jignesh Dabhi. A case has been registered against all of them, and authorities have ordered a probe into possible lapses during security checks.

Separately, cases of fraud and embezzlement have been registered against Yogeshgiri, Dushyantgiri, Devgiri, Kundangiri and Bharatnath for allegedly misappropriating donation funds. Officials said these individuals conducted rituals without authorisation and syphoned off offerings made by devotees.

The temple has been under administrative control since November 29, 2024. Authorities noted that despite awareness of such serious incidents, staff failed to report them. As a disciplinary measure, all 12 employees, including nine priests and other support staff, have been dismissed from service for negligence.