Shocking Scam at Trimbakeshwar: Fake Darshan Passes Defraud Thousands

Scam Exposed: What Happened & When

In July 2025, Nashik police cracked a fraud racket involved in the Trimbakeshwar Temple darshan pass scam. Five people were arrested for bulk booking and reselling online darshan passes issued by the temple trust—intended as donation passes priced at ₹200—but sold illegally between ₹700 and ₹1,000. Some devotees paid up to ₹2,000 for individual passes. Estimates point to over 1,600 fake passes distributed to pilgrims through deceptive channels.

Modus Operandi: How the Scam Worked

Arrests & Investigation

Police arrested five suspects, including Dilip Nana Zhole, Sudam Raju Badade, Samadhan Chothe, Manohar Mohan Shevare, and Shivraj Dinkar Aher. They confessed to defrauding over 5,000 pilgrims using the fraudulent passes. A detailed investigation is underway, with authorities looking into larger networks and potential accomplices.

Temple Trust’s Response & Implications

The Shri Trimbakeshwar Devasthan Trust has acknowledged systemic glitches in its online donation pass system. Officers admitted there was no ID verification when booking, making the scheme vulnerable. As a result, starting in April 2025, the temple will print photos of devotees on darshan passes to prevent misuse.

Trust head Purushottam Kadlag and officials have noted the need for immediate technical upgrades and tighter security, while police have flagged the broader safety risk emanating from anonymous mass bookings.

Devotee Frustration & Crowd Chaos

Timeline of Events

Why It Matters

• Devotee Exploitation: Vulnerable pilgrims paid inflated fees under false promises—especially impacting elderly and out-of-town visitors.
• System Security Weakness: The online pass infrastructure lacked basic checks like ID or mobile verification, enabling mass fraud.
• Heritage Trust Credibility: The trust’s oversight failure eroded public confidence; corrections were overdue.
• Legal & Ethical Dimensions: The case highlights the necessity for regulating digital religious services to prevent criminal syndicates from taking advantage.

Real Voices from the Devotees

“Even with VIP passes, I stood in line for three hours. Staff threatened us, and no priority was given.” – Reddit user describing harsh environment at Trimbakeshwar.

A devotee from Madhya Pradesh reported paying ₹1,000 instead of ₹200 for fast-track access, only to find that the assurances were false at the entrance.

Final Thoughts

The Trimbakeshwar Temple Darshan Pass Scam is not just a case of financial fraud—it’s a cautionary tale about exploiting faith and the urgent need for digital reforms in religious pilgrimages. As thousands flock annually to one of India’s sacred Jyotirlingas, it is essential that trust systems safeguard both spiritual sanctity and public funds.

With IDs now printed on passes and deeper investigations ongoing, it remains to be seen whether these changes can restore confidence and stop elite fraud rings from preying on devotees.