Priest or crook?

Mahankali Temple archak allegedly embezzling

The executive officer of the Mahankali Temple in Lal Bazar, Trimulgherry served a notice to archak, Ravi Sastry on Saturday on account of alleged irregularities that include not handing over gold and silver ornaments to the endowment department and using the money of the handi box for his personal expenses instead of temple maintenance.

The notice further said that there was no specific mention by the temple committee to his appointment as the archak.Speaking to The Hans India, executive officer of the temple Vittalaiah said, "Ravi Sastry refused to take the notice.

We are forced to affix the same in the temple premises advising him to submit explanation within seven days from the date of issue, failing which further action will be initiated as per Telangana Endowment Act," he said.

However, Ravi Sastry has a different take on the matter and mentions his family ownership over the temple."My grandfather Sitarama Sastry maintained the temple from the 1930s. After his demise, my father did the same till 1986. My mother maintained it till 2005 and after her demise, I am doing the same," said Ravi and added that he did not have any ill intentions as alleged by the temple authorities.

"I am holding the said ornaments and will seek legal advice to act on it. I filed a petition no 18196 in the High Court in May, 2014. The matter is sub judice," said Ravi."Removing me from my archak serivces is false and baseless," added Ravi.