TTD Board Member Demands State-led Probe into High-profile Parakamani Theft Case

Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) trust board member and BJP state spokesperson P. Bhanu Prakash Reddy has urged the state government to initiate a probe into a high-profile theft at the hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala. The formal requisition was submitted to TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu during a board meeting held on Tuesday.

The case involves C.V. Ravi Kumar, a clerk from the Tirumala Pedda Jeeyar Mutt, who was responsible for overseeing Parakamani activities at the temple. On April 29, 2023, TTD security personnel apprehended Ravi Kumar for allegedly stealing foreign currency from the Tirumala temple’s Parakamani. Bhanu Prakash’s submission states that the accused was caught red-handed with nine $100 notes totalling $900, valued at approximately ₹72,000.

The theft came to light when TTD security intercepted Ravi Kumar as he tried to leave the premises after duty hours. A complaint filed by Assistant Vigilance and Security Officer Satish Kumar led to a case being registered at the Tirumala One Town Police Station. Despite a chargesheet filed in May, a compromise between the complainant and accused at a Lok Adalat hearing in September raised concerns about undue pressure to close the case.

Bhanu Prakash also questioned the timing of Ravi Kumar's donation of seven immovable properties to TTD. These properties, valued in crores, were donated to mitigate potential legal consequences, he suggested. Reddy stressed the need for a state-led investigation to ensure the sanctity of TTD's operations.