Date:05/09/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/09/05/stories/2007090550230100.htm

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TTD Superintendent suspended in laddu scandal

Special Correspondent

TIRUPATI: K.V.Ramanachari, Executive Officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, placed under suspension Geetha, Superintendent of Laddu Counter, on Tuesday for allegedly possessing seventy laddu tokens, actually meant for free distribution to the pilgrims in the Vaikuntham Queue Complex.

No explanation

Official sources said that when the Vigilance officials of the TTD conducted a surprise inspection on Monday on the ‘free laddu counter’, the incumbent was allegedly found to be having in her possession the laddu tokens without having any valid explanation to offer.

After a preliminary enquiry and based on the report submitted by the Vigilance Wing, the EO placed the Superintendent under suspension pending a detailed departmental enquiry.

It may be recalled that the TTD has recently introduced the ‘free laddu distribution’ system in the Queue Complex for the benefit of the ordinary pilgrims going for Dharma Darshan.

Free tokens

Under the system, it distributes through its counter a free laddu token each to all the pilgrims passing through the queue.

By producing the token at the laddu counters located outside the temple, the pilgrims could collect a laddu priced at Rs.20 each free of cost.