India, July 12 -- The Maharashtra government has directed the police to file a criminal case against Shri Shaneshwar Devasthan, the trust that manages the popular Shani Shingnapur temple in Ahilyanagar district, after a probe by the government revealed blatant corruption in temple operations, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis told the legislative assembly on Friday.

"The findings of the probe were shocking," the chief minister said. "It comprises a fine example of major corruption at the place of God."

The issue of misappropriation of funds by the temple trust was raised in the assembly by Shiv Sena legislator Vitthal Langhe, who said the trustees were using bogus apps and QR codes to embezzle donation funds.

Fadnavis, in his response, ...