Row over missing donation receipt at Srikalahasti temple

The row, ongoing for the past three months, centers round the carbon copy of receipt number 91769, which was missing from the donations receipt book kept at the temple's Public Relations Office (PRO).

As per procedures, devotees making cash donations are provided with a receipt and a carbon copy of this is retained with the book for auditing purposes. However, in this case, the carbon copy of receipt 91769 has disappeared, raising suspicions of foul play.

Sources familiar with the matter sat that a contract worker, who should not have been collecting donations, accepted a contribution using the missing receipt three months ago. The Devasthanams rules stipulate that if contract workers collect donations, they must get the receipts signed by authorised officials.

Critics are questioning as to why no investigation has been launched into this matter. The contract worker reportedly joined the temple staff on a recommendation from YSRC leaders.

The controversy deepened when, during the former Executive Officer's retirement last month, Devasthanam officials signed documents from the PRO office, confirming that the missing receipt was of a Rs 5,000 donation.

This has become a topic of debate, with critics questioning the timing and circumstances of this sign-off. They are also wondering how this amount was determined without the original receipt.

The Srikalahastheeswara Devasthanams allows devotees to make donations ranging from `500 and above. However, the lack of clarity surrounding this donation and the subsequent handling of the matter sparked concerns among devotees and local officials alike.

Devotees say a thorough investigation is necessary to prevent similar incidents in future and to ensure transparency in the temple's financial dealings.