Body found buried in premises of Srikalahasti temple, 7 suspended

TIRUPATI: The executive officer of Srikalahasteeswara Swamyvari Devasthanam has placed seven employees under suspension after the dead body of an unidentified person was found in the Shivalayam premises of in Bharadwaja Theertham of Srikalahasti.

According to sources, temple officials were unaware of the body’s burial until some sources informed them a day after the incident. The incident reportedly happened on September 14 but it came to light on Monday after a complaint was lodged by Srikalahasti temple EO D. Peddiraju.

Confirming the development with Deccan Chronicle, Srikalahasti Urban CI Srinivasulu said that they received a complaint from the temple EO on September 15 regarding a body in Bharadwaja Theertham.

“We launched an investigation into the matter. As part of this, we are questioning the employees, who were on duty at the time of the incident”, the CI said. However, they were yet to identify the body and they were waiting for reports from revenue officials.   

Peddiraju said “soon after the incident came to our notice, we lodged a complaint with the police. We also suspended seven employees, including an assistant executive officer, the security in-charge, four security staffers and the priest on duty”.

“We have strengthened security and surveillance at Bharadwaja Theertham, and other places under the temple control”, he added.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed sources said that the deceased was suspected to be one Anil (35), a follower of a self-proclaimed godwoman. He was believed to have pursued his post-graduation and had a wife and children.