Mathura: A manhunt has been launched to nab an International Society for Krishna Consciousness employee who allegedly absconded with lakhs of rupees and a temple donation receipt book, officials confirmed on Saturday.

The temple’s Chief Finance Officer, Vishwa Nam Das, lodged an FIR late on Friday night regarding the incident, according to Superintendent of Police (City) Arvind Kumar.

"The FIR was filed following a preliminary investigation initiated after an application was submitted to SSP Shailesh Kumar Pandey on December 27," he added.

The accused, Murlidhar Das, was tasked with collecting donations from devotees and depositing the money with temple authorities regularly.

As per the FIR, Murlidhar hails from Sriram Colony of Rauganj Vasa in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.  

"After scrutiny, it will be known exactly how much money he has deposited in the temple," said temple PRO Ravi Lochan Das.  

Missing receipt book raises concerns

Police stated that, along with the cash, Murlidhar Das allegedly fled with a receipt book containing 32 sheets, raising further concerns about the exact amount stolen.  

Temple PRO Ravi Lochan Das also revealed a similar past incident.

"Earlier, a person named Saurav had fled with the donation money and a receipt book. Unfortunately, he passed away before they could be recovered," he said.  

PTI