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Allahabad HC Rejects Bail Plea in ₹4 Crore Religious Donation Fraud

Accountant accused of forging bank receipts and siphoning offerings from Varanasi-based institution.

Court cites seriousness of charges; directs trial court to expedite proceedings.

By Legal Reporter

New Delhi: October 19, 2026:

The Allahabad High Court has denied bail to accountant Vivek Kumar, accused of embezzling over ₹4 crore in donations meant for a prominent religious institution in Varanasi. The court cited the gravity of allegations, including forged bank receipts and systematic siphoning of funds, as reasons for rejecting bail.

Case Background

• Accused: Vivek Kumar, accountant at Sadguru Sadafaldev Vihangam Yoga Sansthan.
• Allegations: Forged bank deposit receipts, siphoned donations, bribed bank staff, and destroyed evidence.
• Institution: Swarved Mahamandir Dham, Varanasi, with branches in Prayagraj and Gaya.
• Timeline:
  • September 23, 2025 – Fake deposit receipt detected.
  • October 2025 – Vivek Kumar arrested.
  • October 2026 – Bail plea rejected by Allahabad HC.

Court’s Observations

• Justice Krishan Pahal emphasized the seriousness of allegations and the breach of trust in handling religious donations.
• Bail was denied due to:
  • Forgery of multiple receipts.
  • Collusion with brother Abhishek Kumar (CA).
  • Tampering with evidence (formatted mobile phone).
• Court directed the trial court to decide the case expeditiously.

Prosecution’s Stand

• Alleged systematic siphoning of ₹4 crore through fraudulent transactions.
• Claimed disproportionate assets acquired by the accused compared to his salary.
• Submitted evidence of bribery attempts recorded on the bank’s internal server.

Defence’s Argument

• Claimed false implication and no prior criminal record.
• Stated the case was a counterblast to a complaint filed by his brother alleging abduction of his wife and child by institution officials.

Implications

• For Religious Institutions: Raises concerns about financial transparency and accountability in donation management.
• For Judiciary: Reinforces strict stance against financial fraud involving public trust.
• For Devotees: Highlights vulnerability of offerings and need for stronger safeguards.

FAQs

Q1: Who is Vivek Kumar?

An accountant employed at Sadguru Sadafaldev Vihangam Yoga Sansthan, accused of embezzling donations.

Q2: How much money was allegedly embezzled?

Over ₹4 crore from offerings and donations.

Q3: What evidence was presented?

Forged bank receipts, bribery attempts, and destruction of digital evidence.

Q4: Why did the court deny bail?

Due to the gravity of allegations, breach of trust, and risk of tampering with evidence.

Q5: What happens next?

The trial court will proceed with hearings, as directed by the High Court, to ensure speedy justice.