The Andhra Pradesh High Court has directed the state Crime Investigation Department (CID) to conduct a detailed probe into allegations of theft of offerings and foreign currency donations from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) temple.
The bench observed that the case appeared to have been “completely compromised” during the initial investigation carried out by the local police and temple officials. The court expressed concern that the seriousness of the allegations had been diluted through improper application of legal provisions and possible administrative interference.
The case stems from an incident reported in April 2023, when foreign currency contributions made by devotees were allegedly stolen from the temple’s Parakamani Hall, where offerings are counted and processed. Following the complaint, the police filed a chargesheet against a TTD employee under Sections 379 (theft) and 381 (theft by clerk or servant) of the Indian Penal Code. However, the High Court noted that Section 409 (criminal breach of trust by a public servant) — a more serious and non-compoundable offence — should have been invoked since the accused was a public servant handling temple assets.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the initial investigation, the court directed that a senior officer of the rank of Director General of Police in the CID supervise the fresh probe. The new investigation will also look into the role of the TTD Board, senior temple administrators, the investigating officer, and the original complainant.
Additionally, the court instructed the state’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to examine the financial and property records of the accused and his family members to determine whether disproportionate assets were accumulated. The High Court ordered that the findings of both agencies be presented in a sealed cover before the next hearing date.
The bench also took note of properties worth approximately ₹14.5 crore that had reportedly been donated to the temple by the accused without proper approval from the TTD Board. It further questioned how the case had been settled before a Lok Adalat despite the seriousness of the charges and the apparent irregularities in the investigation process.
By ordering a fresh CID investigation, the Andhra Pradesh High Court emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in managing temple affairs, particularly those involving public faith and significant financial assets. The matter will be listed for further hearing once the investigation reports are submitted.
(Source: Bar and Bench)