Officials break lock of Hathiramji Mutt to verify records

Tirupati: Endowments and revenue officials conducted checks at Hathiramji Mutt here on Monday after breaking locks of rooms for verifying records.

In-charge of the Mutt, C Chandra Sekhara Reddy and officials from the two departments broke opened the locks where records were kept and also checked documents in office rooms. Further, Mr. Reddy observed that the staff was asked to hand over all records for scrutiny.

It may be recalled that Arjun Doss, the Mahant of Swamy Hathiramji Mutt has been placed under suspension a couple of days ago for irregularities in its administration. Subsequently, the State Government appointed Executive Officer of Sri Kalahasthi Devasthanam Chandra Sekhara Reddy for the Mutt’s temporary administration till the dispute was settled.

Meanwhile, Samanchi Srinivas, BJP State spokesperson, asked the government why they were getting involved in the activities of Hindu religious bodies. He wanted to know from the Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy why they were only targeting Hindu organizations and ignoring other religious institutions.

“The Mutt managed the Temple for more than 100 years before the formation of the TTD. Properties worth crores of rupees were donated to them. Valuable lands donated by devotees are spread across the country. They have 300 acres of land only in Mumbai and 1,200 acres in Tirumala-Tirupati areas. A majority of them have been encroached. We demand total powers are to be vested with the Executive Officer of the TTD for future monitoring,” he demanded.

He said protection of such prime lands close to the temple city is the primary responsibility of the State Government and details have to be disclosed to the people. Party activists staged a protest in front of the Mutt in this connection on Monday.