Andhra: Executive officer suspended for transporting temple valuables without approval

The Executive Officer of Gangamma Temple in Kadiri, Andhra Pradesh, was suspended for transporting nearly five kg of silver, 15 sarees, and other valuables without authorization. Police have seized the items, filed a case, and initiated further investigation under Section 316 BNS

Kadiri: The Executive Officer of Gangamma temple here in Sri Satya Sai district was suspended after he was found transporting nearly five kg of silver, 15 sarees and other temple valuables without authorisation, a police official said on Monday.

The issue came to light when villagers noticed Murli Krishna along with the items at around 11 am on Sunday without informing higher officials or following due procedure.

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Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to take immediate action against the EO.

“In line with the chief minister’s instructions, the EO was suspended and a complaint was lodged with the police,” said an official release late on Sunday.

Naidu warned that stringent action would be taken against anyone attempting to tamper with temple sanctity or hurting devotees’ sentiments.

“Nearly five kg of silver, 15 sarees and other valuables were being transported without authorisation by the temple EO, following which he was suspended,” Kadri Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Shivnarayan Swamy said.

Alerted by locals, police intercepted the vehicle and took custody of the valuables before informing district endowment authorities, he said.

A case under Section 316 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered.

“We will remand him (Krishna) today as the investigation progresses into unauthorised transport of temple valuables,” the DSP said.