Andhra HC takes strong exception to TTD’s manual system of counting offerings; bats for technology

Amaravati : Andhra Pradesh High Court took a strong exception to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for continuing with the age-old manual system of counting offerings despite repeated theft incidents.

The court said this is the right time to end human-dependent counting and modernise the entire process by adopting technology, including machines and artificial intelligence.

Justice Gannamaneni Ramakrishna Prasad observed that thefts at the Parakamani of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy shrine in Tirumala cannot be treated as ordinary house thefts, as they deeply hurt the sentiments of crores of devotees worldwide who offer gifts to the Lord out of devotion.

The court emphasised that in such cases, the issue is not the monetary value of the offerings but the faith and emotions of devotees.

The court said this is the right time to end human-dependent counting and modernise the entire process by adopting technology.

The court observed that the use of technology could drastically reduce human intervention, noting that work requiring about 100 people could be handled by just 10 if automated. Reduced human involvement, it said, would help curb crimes.

The judge suggested strengthening security measures, integrating AI with CCTV systems monitoring the counting process, and fully automating the packing of offerings from the hundi, their transportation to Parakamani, segregation, and counting. Proper safeguards must be put in place to prevent theft during these stages, the court said, remarking that even the most pious could be tempted if “doors are left wide open”.

What is the case about?

The case traces back to 2023, when accused CV Ravi Kumar smuggled out foreign currency by hiding it in his undergarments on April 29, 2023.

Though caught with $11,300 (about Rs 9 lakh), the FIR recorded recovery of just $900. TTD officials later found that the accused amassed properties worth Rs 100 crore by stealing foreign currency wads multiple times earlier.

Following this, two TTD Trust Board members released surveillance footage from the Tirumala Parakamani. BJP leader and Trust Board member G Bhanuprakash Reddy accused Bhumana Karunakar Reddy of running the scam under then CM Jagan Mohan Reddy’s directions.

Case adjourned to Dec 19

The court also directed the Registrar (Judicial) to place before it the post-mortem report of Assistant Vigilance and Security Officer (AVSO) Satish Kumar, who was assisting the investigation and died under suspicious circumstances. The court adjourned the matter to December 19.

The observations were made during the hearing of a petition filed by journalist M. Srinivasu seeking a CID probe into the compromise reached in a Parakamani theft case. Earlier, on October 27, the High Court had ordered inquiries by the CID and ACB Director Generals into the role of the TTD Board, officials, the investigating officer, complainant Satish Kumar, and the movable and immovable properties of the accused Ravikumar and his family. Reports were subsequently submitted, and the CID DG recently filed an additional report.

Referring to the additional report, the judge noted that photographs showing the transportation and counting of offerings at Parakamani had been included. He remarked that thefts had occurred earlier and warned that they would not be the last if systemic reforms were not undertaken.

The High Court also criticised the practice of inviting devotees to count offerings in the name of service and then subjecting them to humiliating searches. The court further held that the practice of engaging outsourced employees for counting offerings in Parakamani should be discontinued.

The court directed counsel for the TTD, the petitioner, and the investigating agencies to submit concrete suggestions and recommendations for reforms in Parakamani. It also asked senior advocate Unnam Muralidhar Rao, appearing for AP Sadhu Parishad president Swami Srinivasana Saraswati, to offer his suggestions on the issue.