Shani Shingnapur Trust has dismissed 167 employees, including 114 Muslims, citing absenteeism. The move follows pressure from Hindu groups after a viral video and threats of a protest march
Ahilyanagar| June 13, 2025:
The Shani Shingnapur Devasthan Trust has dismissed 167 employees, including 114 Muslim staffers, citing irregularities and prolonged absenteeism. This move comes amid rising objections from Hindu organizations over the employment of Muslim workers in departments associated with the religious trust.
According to the trust, the employees dismissed were working in non-religious departments such as agriculture, waste management, and education, and not in the temple’s core religious functions. Among the 114 Muslim employees, 99 had reportedly been absent from duty for the past five months, with their salaries pending. The remaining dismissed individuals include employees from other communities, bringing the total number to 167.
The issue gained momentum in May when a video showing Muslim employees painting the Shani Chautharya area inside the temple premises went viral on social media. Several Hindu organizations raised objections, questioning how Muslim workers were involved in temple-related activities. The matter intensified as groups threatened a protest march on June 14, demanding the removal of those employees.
Responding to growing public pressure, the Maharashtra Temple Federation and political leaders like Tushar Bhosale (BJP Spiritual Front) and Nagar MLA Sangram Jagtap extended support to the protest. The trust appears to have acted ahead of the announced protest, stating that the dismissals were strictly based on disciplinary grounds.
In an official statement, the Shani Shingnapur Devasthan Trust clarified:
“The action was not religiously motivated. None of the dismissed employees were involved in the temple’s direct religious work. The decision was made purely due to continuous absenteeism and violation of discipline.”
The trust further clarified that no new religious appointments have been made and the temple’s spiritual sanctity has remained intact.
The dismissals have created a significant stir in the region, with discussions around religious employment, administrative transparency, and the role of community sentiments in trust management. Some rights groups have called for a more inclusive and procedural approach in such sensitive matters.
As of now, all eyes are on the march planned on June 14 and whether the protest will go ahead following the trust’s action. Authorities are monitoring the situation to ensure peace and order are maintained in the area.
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