Andhra orders SIT probe into `Parakamani scam’ at TTD during YSRCP govt

Tirumala: Andhra Pradesh government has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the Parakamani (coins and currency notes counting centre) scam.

The scam relates to siphoning of crores from Tirumala Venkateswara Swamy temple during the previous YSRCP regime, said Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh.

The case traces back to 2023, when accused CV Ravi Kumar smuggled out currency by hiding it in his undergarments on April 29, 2023. Though caught with $11,300 (about ₹9 lakh), the FIR recorded recovery of just $900. TTD officials later found that the accused amassed properties worth ₹100 crore by stealing foreign currency wads multiple times earlier.

CCTV footage released:

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

Lokesh blames YS Jagan:

“An FIR was registered at 11 pm on April 29, 2023, and a chargesheet was filed the next day. A 41(A) notice was issued, and the thief was released. Later, a compromise was reached in the Lok Adalat. This shows the YSRCP elders’ role, as Ravi Kumar “donated” seven properties worth ₹40 crore in Tirupati and Chennai to TTD in September 2023. They insulted God, who exposed them. How can Jagan deny this? Wasn’t Subba Reddy, then TTD Chairman, his relative? Didn’t Jagan appoint Bhumana, whose daughter married in a Christian tradition, as TTD chief?” Lokesh questioned.

Tirupati MP writes to Centre:

Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumoorthy (YSRCP) has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking a CBI inquiry, and CJI BR. Gavai, demanding a Judicial Commission headed by a sitting Supreme Court judge.