VHP accuses Surekha aide of cattle misuse

WARANGAL, KARIMNAGAR: Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal on Saturday lodged a complaint against an associate of endowment minister Konda Surekha, alleging that the Sri Raja Rajeshswara Swamy temple had handed over around 60 Rajanna Kodes (oxen donated by devotees) to him in violation of norms.

In the complaint with the Geesukonda at Hanamkonda, they alleged that temple officials handed over 60 cows to Ram Babu, the minister’s associate, on August 12. They alleged Ram Babu dealt in cows and ran a goshala in the name of Sri Raja Rajeshwar Swamy in Geesukonda mandal.

Devotees who visit Vemulawada temple offer Kode Mokku (donating cows and oxen) to the presiding deity. The donated cattle are kept in the temple’s goshala. Since it does not have enough space, the government decided to distribute extra cows to poor farmers under certain guidelines.

All donated cows and oxen are tagged. Farmers have to apply to temple for cows with identity documents and land papers; their applications need to be endorsed by the local agriculture officer. Farmers who get the cows must not sell them.

Geesukonda circle inspector K. Mahendar told Deccan Chronicle that on the complaint of the VHP, a case was registered against Ram Babu. An investigation is in progress to find out whether the cows Ram Babu got were from Vemulawada temple. A letter was also sent to the Vemulawada temple authorities seeking clarification, he added.

Vemulawada temple executive officer K. Vinod Reddy, speaking to Deccan Chronicle, condemned the allegations and said that the temple officials had not distributed any cows to Ram Babu’s goshala.

The temple has nothing to do with the minister’s purported recommendation letter which was circulated on social media, he said. A complaint will also be lodged with the local police regarding the issue and requesting an investigation.

Meanwhile, the BJP staged a dharna in front of the temple office demanding suspension of EO Vinod Reddy.

Reacting to the allegations, Surekha said it was an attempt to malign the Congress government.

She said the temple had about 1,500 cows and oxen donated by devotees. The government had decided to distribute them to poor and eligible farmers who can look after them.

Explaining the process of allotting cattle to farmers, she said applications received by a minister were sent to authorities concerned. The Vemulawada temple authorities distributed the cows following the norms.

Cows and oxen distributed by the temple will have tags which are impossible to remove, she said. Stringent action would be taken against miscreants for spreading lies, she added.