What Actions Are Being Taken in the Parakamani Theft Case Against Former TTD Chairman?
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Synopsis
The Parakamani theft case surrounding the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple has taken a significant turn, as the SIT directs former TTD Chairman B. Karunakar Reddy to testify. This investigation follows serious concerns over a lack of scrutiny regarding the case's closure. The implications of the SIT's findings could reshape accountability within the temple's administration.
Key Takeaways
- SIT summons former TTD Chairman for questioning.
- High Court mandates investigation into theft case.
- Settlement in Lok Adalat raises questions about accountability.
- Accused employee caught in the act of theft.
- Mysterious death of complainant intensifies scrutiny.
Tirupati, Nov 25 (NationPress) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) that is examining the Parakamani theft case at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala has served a notice to the former TTD Chairman, B. Karunakar Reddy, compelling him to come forward and provide his statement.
At the time the theft case was initiated, Karunakar Reddy held the position of Chairman for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).
The notice, issued by Director General of CID, Ravi Shankar Ayyanar, who leads the SIT, highlights that the Andhra Pradesh High Court has mandated a thorough investigation into the matter.
The notice also notes that Karunakar Reddy participated in a TTD Board meeting that addressed the Parakamani situation.
The SIT initiated its investigation following an order from the High Court regarding a plea contesting the closure of the Parakamani theft case in the Lok Adalat.
Ravi Kumar, a TTD employee, was apprehended while attempting to steal $920 from the Parakamani (the center for counting coins and currency notes) in April 2023.
The theft case, initially reported at the Tirumala police station, was later forwarded to the Lok Adalat, where a settlement was reached in September 2023, allowing Ravi Kumar to contribute seven properties valued at Rs 40 crore, located in Tirupati and Chennai, to the TTD.
Recently, a petition was submitted to the Andhra Pradesh High Court, claiming that no investigation had occurred in the theft case as the former governing board of TTD closed it post-settlement in the Lok Adalat. The petitioner, Macherla Sreenivas, contested this closure.
The SIT has recently interrogated former police and TTD officials as part of its inquiry.
Jaganmohan Reddy, who was the Circle Inspector (CI) at Tirumala One Town Police Station when the case was logged in 2023, along with other officials, has appeared before the SIT.
Last month, the SIT visited Parakamani at the renowned hill shrine and confiscated records related to the case filed at Tirumala One Town Police Station.
A former Assistant Vigilance and Security Officer (AVSO) of TTD and complainant in the theft case, Y. Satish Kumar, was recently discovered deceased under suspicious circumstances on railway tracks in Komali village near Tadipatri in Anantapur district on November 14. The postmortem indicated he sustained a blow to the back of his head from a sharp object.
Satish Kumar had apprehended Ravi Kumar while he was pilfering the money during the counting of hundi collections.
Last week, the High Court instructed the police to ensure protection for Sreenivas, whose petition prompted the court to mandate an investigation.
Point of View
The ongoing investigation into the Parakamani theft case highlights the imperative for transparency and accountability in religious institutions. The actions of the SIT, particularly regarding former TTD Chairman B. Karunakar Reddy, underscore the importance of ensuring that justice is served, not merely through settlements but through thorough investigations that uphold the integrity of the temple administration.
NationPress
25/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Parakamani theft case about?
The Parakamani theft case involves the theft of money from the counting center at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple, leading to an investigation by the SIT.
Who is B. Karunakar Reddy?
B. Karunakar Reddy is the former Chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) during the time the Parakamani theft case was registered.
What prompted the SIT investigation?
The SIT investigation was prompted by a High Court order following a petition challenging the closure of the theft case in the Lok Adalat.
What was the settlement reached in the Lok Adalat?
The settlement involved Ravi Kumar, the accused, agreeing to donate properties worth Rs 40 crore to the TTD as part of the compromise.
What are the implications of this investigation?
The implications could involve greater accountability for the TTD administration and potential repercussions for those involved in the theft and its subsequent handling.
