Date:03/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/05/03/stories/2005050302450500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Functioning of TTD under doubt as Parakamani scam unfolds

G.P. Shukla

Second blow to department in less than two years following the Alipiri blast.

TIRUMALA: The startling revelations of Salim, the brain behind the recently detected `Parakamani scam' at the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala, has put a question mark over the functioning of the TTD Security and Vigilance Department.

This is the second blow the department has suffered in less than two years in the aftermath of the Alipiri bomb blast.

The alleged revelation by Salim that he has committed `theft' on 64 occasions and had been successful every time during the past 16 months and in the process has earned lakhs of rupees, seriously questions the professional skills of the department personnel. Counting the offerings, is done under strict supervision of top temple and security officials amidst tight security involving thorough risking of personnel under survelliance of CC TV cameras.

Under such fortified circumstances, the fact that the gang could manage to commit the crime is a hard to believe. The fact that the department with a strong work force of 1,000 has not detected even a single scandal in the past one decade is surprising.

However, several scandals involving rental, fake laddu tokens, fake archana tickets soap oil gas spare parts, and darshan, have been detected by the local police.

The TTD Chief Vigilance and Security Officer, Balakrishna, admitted that the personnel lacked the required professionalism in detecting frauds, and attributed the failure to lack of proper set-up of the vigilance cadre. Proposals are being made to rope in efficient and professional officers from various State intelligence agencies like -- special Branch, CID, and Special Intelligence Bureau.

Pointing out at the lacuna in the recruitment system, he said most personnel were ex-servicemen who were good in the field but lacked the required skills for the job. To strengthen the department , regular meetings will be organised with the top officials of intelligence agencies periodically.