Has the Andhra CID Launched a Probe into the Tirumala Parakamani Theft Case?
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Synopsis
The Andhra CID has taken significant steps to investigate the Parakamani theft case at the revered Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala. This inquiry follows serious allegations and previous legal challenges surrounding the case, highlighting the complexities of temple governance and security.
Key Takeaways
- Andhra CID is investigating a significant theft case.
- The theft occurred at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple.
- Previous legal proceedings led to the case being closed prematurely.
- High Court intervention has prompted renewed investigation.
- Allegations of substantial monetary theft and misappropriation of funds are serious.
Tirupati, Oct 14 (NationPress) The Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Andhra Pradesh has initiated an investigation into the Parakamani theft case at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala as of Tuesday. A team led by CID Director General Ravi Shankar Ayyanar commenced the inquiry into this incident dating back to 2023.
The CID team visited the Parakamani (the center for counting coins and currency notes) at the renowned hill shrine and confiscated the records related to the case filed at the Tirumala One Town Police Station.
This investigation commenced shortly after the Andhra Pradesh High Court criticized the police department and the DGP for failing to act on its orders regarding a petition that contested the closure of the Parakamani theft case in the Lok Adalat.
The theft took place in March 2023 when C. Ravi Kumar, an employee of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), was apprehended for stealing $920 from the Parakamani.
Recently, a petition was brought before the Andhra Pradesh High Court arguing that no investigation had been conducted into the theft. The former TTD governing board had closed the case post a settlement in the Lok Adalat, which the petitioner contested.
Last month, the High Court instructed the Inspector General of CID to confiscate all records linked to the case, including proceedings before the Lok Adalat and any resolutions by the TTD board, to be submitted in a sealed cover.
The CID filed a request to modify orders to appoint either a SP or DG rank officer for the seizure, citing the absence of an IGP rank cadre in the CID.
When the case was heard on Monday (October 13), Justice Gannamaneni Ramakrishna Prasad expressed his dissatisfaction, questioning why the CID delayed filing for modification until October 6 when the order was issued on September 16.
Last month, two members of the TTD Trust Board released a video allegedly related to the theft.
TTD board member and BJP State spokesperson, G. Bhanuprakash Reddy, along with TTD Ex-Officio member C. Divakar Reddy, shared CCTV footage from the surveillance cameras located at Parakamani.
Ravi Kumar was reportedly caught concealing currency notes in his undergarments on April 29, 2023.
The TTD Board members claimed he was caught stealing $11,300, but the FIR recorded the recovery as only $900.
They also alleged that the accused accumulated properties worth Rs 100 crore through repeated thefts of foreign currency notes.
The theft case filed at the Tirumala police station was transferred to the Lok Adalat, where a compromise was reached in September 2023, with Ravi Kumar agreeing to donate seven properties valued at Rs 40 crore located in Tirupati and Chennai to the TTD.
Point of View
The ongoing investigation by the CID into the Parakamani theft case reflects the challenges faced by temple authorities in maintaining security and trust. With the legal proceedings and allegations of theft, it is essential to uphold transparency and ensure that justice prevails, reaffirming the sanctity of revered institutions like the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Parakamani theft case?
The Parakamani theft case involves the alleged theft of currency and coins from the counting center at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala, with significant sums reportedly stolen by an employee.
Who is leading the CID investigation?
The investigation is being led by CID Director General Ravi Shankar Ayyanar.
What prompted the CID to investigate now?
The Andhra Pradesh High Court criticized the police for not acting on its orders regarding the case, leading to the CID's involvement.
What was the outcome of the previous legal proceedings?
The case was initially closed after a settlement in the Lok Adalat, which is now being contested in court.
What are the allegations against the accused?
The accused, C. Ravi Kumar, is alleged to have stolen large sums of money and accumulated wealth through repeated thefts.
