Mahudi Jain Trust Refutes Allegations, Presents Documentary Evidence at Ahmedabad Press Conference

Trustees of Shri Mahudi Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Trust Deny Gold Misappropriation Claims, Assert Transparency

• Bilkul Online
• Ahmedabad | 14 February 2026

The eight trustees of Shri Mahudi (Madhupuri) Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Trust Sangh, along with representatives of the Mehta, Vora, and Shah families associated with the Trust, convened a press conference in Ahmedabad today to categorically refute the allegations recently made against them and to present factual clarifications supported by documentary evidence.

At the outset, the trustees clarified that Ankit Shrenikbhai Mehta (who has previously served a 19-month sentence under PASA) and Jayeshbhai Mehta were removed last year from the general membership of the Mahudi Sangh in view of their criminal background and in order to preserve the dignity and integrity of the Sangh. Despite this, they are allegedly misrepresenting themselves as trustees or members of the Trust, misleading devotees and attempting to defame the institution.

The trustees further stated that in 2012, a former trustee, Rashmibhai Mehta, was compelled to resign after being caught accepting commission from a contractor. Subsequently, his relative, Sunilbhai Mehta, filed a complaint at Mansa Police Station alleging theft of 65 kilograms of gold by the Trust. However, after due investigation, the police reportedly found no substance in the allegations and dismissed the complaint.

In 2023, two individuals, Nilesh Mehta and Sunil Mehta, were allegedly caught on CCTV stealing from the temple treasury (Bhandar) at Mahudi Tirth. It was stated that both individuals are relatives of Ankit Mehta and Jayesh Mehta. The Trust removed them with immediate effect. The trustees alleged that the present accusations are motivated by personal vendetta following this action.

Responding to the allegation of misappropriation of 65 kilograms of gold, the trustees stated that all gold used for the temple’s gold embellishment was legally purchased with tax-paid invoices, and entries have been duly recorded in the Trust’s audited reports from 2017 to 2025. Addressing claims based on laboratory testing reports, the trustees clarified that laboratory reports determine the purity of gold, not its weight.

Regarding allegations of theft of gold ornaments from the Trust lockers, it was explained that each locker requires three separate keys held by different trustees, and no single individual can access a locker independently.

The trustees also refuted allegations that the current trustees were appointed illegally. Documentary evidence was presented showing trustee appointments made every three years from 2002 to 2020, including signatures of support from Ankit Mehta and Jayesh Mehta during that period.

On the issue of property purchases in Ahmedabad, the trustees clarified that residential properties (bungalows/flats) were acquired in the name of the Trust to facilitate the religious needs of Jain monks and nuns, who travel on foot and require arrangements for temporary stay, Gochari, and rest during illness. It was emphasized that all movable and immovable assets of the Trust are used strictly for religious and administrative purposes, and never for personal benefit of any trustee or their family members.

On behalf of the entire Trust, Bhupendrabhai Vora reaffirmed the unwavering faith of devotees in Mahudi Tirth and Lord Ghantakarna Mahavir. He publicly declared that if even one gram of gold is proven to have been misappropriated or mismanaged by the Trust or any trustee, he is prepared to resign from all positions within the Trust.