Tirupati: BJP seeks probe into shortage of jewels in TTD treasury

Tirupati: BJP State secretary G Bhanuprakash Reddy and party state spokesperson S Srinivas demanded an enquiry into `shortage' of jewels found in the high security TTD treasury here.

Speaking to the media here on Tuesday, the BJP leaders said that the TTD should not wash off its hands with mere action and recovery of the value of the jewels found short, from the employee concerned or employee working in the treasury but should go one step ahead and probe into the `shortage' of jewels to find out the reasons behind it for solution.

Citing the shortage of jewels found during verification at the TTD treasury in October 2017, Bhanuprakash Reddy wondered how could there be `shortage' of jewels and also excess jewels (value not assessed) happen in the high security treasury where round-the-clock watch through CCTV cameras and security staff is in place.

A probe should be conducted if any shortage of jewels is found in the stock verification based on which case also should be filed, he said affirming that the TTD management's negligence in safeguarding the jewels offered by devotees in the Lord's Hundi was hurting their sentiments.

Meanwhile, TTD Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal stoutly denied any negligence on the part of TTD in safeguarding the offerings including gold, silver, etc. by devotees in the Hundi.

At a hurriedly held media conference in his chamber in Tirupati on Tuesday evening, he said that the verification of jewels is due in September to get a final list of shortage of jewels or excess jewels in the treasury and denied the reports in social media and TV alleging TTD negligence in ensuring security of devotees offering in the Hundi.

The verification of jewels will be taken up by the TTD in the presence of outgoing and incumbent AEOs. It will be an elaborate and tough job as it involves verification of 6,000 to 8,000 kgs of jewels secured in the lockers in TTD treasury at its Administrative building, he explained.

He admitted that shortage of jewels was found in the verification which was held in October 2017 at the time of transfer of Srinivasulu working as Assistant Executive Officer (AEO) (Treasury) and who was supposed to make entry of the Hundi offerings received from Tirumala in the records and safeguard them in the lockers in the treasury.

In all, shortage of jewels worth Rs 7.36 lakh was found during the stock verification in the presence of AEO, Deputy EO (Treasury), accounts officials, vigilance officers and TTD initiated action for recovery of the amount and so far Rs 2.25 lakh at the rate of Rs 25,000 monthly has been recovered.

The jewels which were not found include rings, necklace (Rs 4.18 lakh), silver Kireetam (Rs 2.22 lakh), silver-coated copper coins and aluminum coins while the excess jewels found 11.7 kg of silver articles, 2,608 grams of pearls, 31 gram gold ornaments and 2.35 gram diamond etc. he informed.

He said as per rules the then AEO Srinivasulu was held responsible forthe shortage of jewels leading to the recovery from his salary. In case if the jewels found short in the verification due in September, departmental enquiry would be conducted for suitable action, he affirmed.