Date:19/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/05/19/stories/2005051909790400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Vigilance wing begins probe into temple affairs

Special Correspondent

TIRUPATI: The Vigilance and Enforcement wing of the Government has reportedly set in motion the exercise to probe the alleged irregularities that have been committed in the Srikalahasti temple's working during the last five years.

The Vigilance Department is said to have taken up a suo motu investigation of the allegations based on recent media reports and the complaints it has received from the public on various issues concerning the temple management.

Sources said the probe team led by the Vigilance and Enforcement DSP, Anand, would focus its attention on the alleged acts of commission and omission in the finalisation of tenders, purchases, leasing out of the temple's choultries, landed property, recruitments made to several cadres and so on.

The panel is also expected to take an inventory of the gold, silver and other valuables offered to the temple by devotees as donations.

The sources also noted that there was a corresponding increase both in the temple's revenue--now pegged at Rs.13 crores per anum and the charges of irregularities between 2000-05.