Former Tirupati Board Chief Summoned in Probe Over Temple Offerings Counting Irregularities
Former TTD Chairman summoned by CID over irregularities in Tirupati temple offerings counting.
The Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (CID) has summoned former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board Chairman Bhoomana Karunakar Reddy in connection with an ongoing probe into alleged irregularities surrounding the Parakamani—the sacred and meticulously supervised counting of devotees’ offerings at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala. The investigation follows a directive issued by the Andhra Pradesh High Court on October 27, intensifying scrutiny of temple finance management.
Parakamani is a critical ritual involving the counting and categorization of funds and valuables, including cash, foreign currency, gold, and silver deposited by pilgrims. The process is conducted by vetted volunteers under constant CCTV surveillance, ensuring transparency in handling the TTD’s substantial annual budget. The current probe gained momentum following a reported theft of foreign currency by an individual linked to Parakamani operations in 2023, which quickly escalated into a politically charged controversy.
Reddy, who served as TTD chairman under the previous YSRCP regime, was questioned due to his involvement and attendance at board meetings related to the Parakamani case. The former board controversially approved a “compromise settlement” via Lok Adalat, wherein the accused voluntarily relinquished properties to the TTD as restitution. This settlement has been heavily criticized by the current ruling alliance of TDP, BJP, and Jana Sena, alleging that the YSRCP-led board shielded the accused and compromised temple integrity.
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Karunakar Reddy has denied all allegations, describing the CID investigation as politically motivated and asserting that his board acted transparently and responsibly in apprehending the perpetrator. He has challenged the government to hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for an impartial probe, maintaining that the property recovered was legitimate compensation for the theft.
The summons and ensuing investigation have further heightened political tensions in Andhra Pradesh, with the temple’s management and associated allegations becoming focal points in the state’s political discourse. The case not only tests the accountability of temple authorities but also underlines the importance of safeguarding the faith and trust of millions of devotees worldwide.
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