Assistant Charity Commissioner recommends a Special Audit of MANS

On August 18, 2017, Sanatan Sanstha had exposed a big scam of Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti (MANS), in a press conference. While Dr Narendra Dabholkar, in 2012, had said that the funds of veteran liberal academic Prof. G P Pradhan’s Vasudha Manovikas Partishthan had been merged into Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti, Dabholkar’s wife, Mrs Shaila Dabholkar and all other trustess had denied the merger, in a written statement in 2017. Dr Hamid Dabholkar, while speaking to a TV channel in this regard, had tried to cover up by saying that theassests of the said trust had been merged into Sadhana Trust. However, Inquiry Report submitted by the Assistant Charity Commissioner, Satara, has clearly stated, that there are vast inconsistencies in the statements of the reigning Trustees and the then President, Dr Narendra Dabholkar. This observation itself makes the truth and the severity of the scam, amply clear. The report consists of many such serious and shocking observations. Also, the Assistant Charity Commissioner has recommended a special audit of MANS Trust. This has revealed the true colours of MANS and Dr Hamid Dabholkar, and as such, the know-it-all, corrupt activists of MANS who otherwise demand answers from others, now owe a reply to the people of Maharasthra. We are eagerly awaiting Hamid Dabholkar’s evidence-backed reply, said Sanatan Sanstha spokesperson, Abhay Vartak.
Maharasthra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti has been trying to hide its misdeeds under the guise of being the flag-bearer of wisdom. Sanatan Sanstha and Hindu Janjagruti Samiti had highlightedthe irregularities in the Trust, on many occasions. In 2012, the inquiry into the matter began. Initial investigation was carried out by Inspector, then Superintendent had used stern words against the irregularities in the Trust in the investigation report, and the report was then submitted to the Assistant Charity Commissioner, Satara. The Assistant Charity Commissioner, Satara too has completed his investigation into the matter and submitted his report. In this report too, extremely serious and shocking observations have been recorded, whilst upholding all the claims made by Hindu Janjagruti Samiti against the MANS Trust.
The hearing of the matter was held before the Hon’ble Assistant Charity Commissioner, Satara. In this regard, all the trustees such as, Mr Pratap Pawar, Dr Vidyadhar Borkar, Mr Ram Takwale, Mr Dadasaheb Naiknavare, Mr Anant Limaye, Mr Deepak Girme, Mr Avinash Patil, etc had been given an opportunity to present their side, through a notice, but all the trustees remained absent and submitted their collective statement, through Smt. Shaila Dabholkar.
Some important points in the Assistant Charity Commissioner’s report are as follows:
1. MANS Trust submitted its audit reports, change reports to the Office of the Charity Commissioner only after Hindu Janjagruti Samiti registered its complaint in this regard
2. Dr Dabholkar had given a written statement asking for other trustees to not be called for their statement, thereby asking for his statement as President to be accepted as true. On the other hand, the Trustees say that they were never called.
3. MANS was not exepmted from paying the tax, called as contribution to the Government, after the allegation of tax evasion by HJS and reply by MANS that it was not liable to pay contribution as it was an educational trust was held to be wrong, proving HJS allegation true.
4. MANS has blatantly flouted the law regarding accepting funds from abroad. For example, the huge inflow of donations from US-based Maharashtra Foundation were routed through Keshav Gore Smarak Trust and then given to MANS, instead of a direct route. The motive behind this is not clear.
5. Immovable assets from Sawantwadi were bought and suspiciously sold without permissions, in violation of laws. 
6. The sale, subscription and advertisements from magazine is not seen. This is suspicious and needs special audit.
7. MANS publishes and sells many books, but their prices have not been shown. The trustees of MANS say that they do not sell the books, but gift them. But the MRP is not only printed on the books but is also clearly mentioned in the advertisements. Why is it printed, then?
8. The available documents suggest that MANS has its branches across the state and the country, yet it appears that their accounts have not been submitted. The funds of the Trust have been invested in inappropriate places.
9. The procedure of assigning vehicle to Prashant Potdar, Chief Secretary of MANS, is not transparent. The vehicle despite having been bought for Rs 4,56,388, the reflection in the accounts as Rs 4,92,851. Also, the accounts show expenses on Indica car, but it appears that the Trust does not have such a vehicle.
10. MANS spent heavily on the play, Ringan Ani Socrates te Dabholkar. But the permissions for this were not sought from the Trust or its office beares. Therefore, it is important to see if whether or not these expenses have been made in an appropriate fashion.
The report also recommends an inspection of the accounts of MANS Trust, for further investigation into all these matters.
The report, in a way, backs the authenticity of the repeated claims of Sanatan Sanstha, Hindu Janjagruti Samiti and Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad. The disparity in the statements of Dr Narendra Dabholkar and those of other Trustees, is also something that cannot be ignored. The MANS Trust is privy to such a big scam. Key points such as ‘whether the financial irregularities in the Trust, is the cause of Dr Dabholkar’s murder’, or ‘did Dr Dabholkar’s statement result in his death’, have not been investigated into at all. If the killers of Dr Dabholkar are to be brought to task, then it is important to investigate from all directions. Why are other Trustees trying to avoid an investigation into the Trust, despite the fact that Dr Dabholkar himself used to be readily open for an investigation? What are the vested interests behind this issue ? Police, instead of following misleading directives of Dabholkar family can investigate by trust’s financial aspect behind murder. Mr. Vartak raised the question.