BJP calls for CID inquiry into Tirumala currency scam

The BJP is calling for a CID inquiry into a reported foreign currency scam at the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala. G. Bhanuprakash Reddy, the party's state spokesperson and a member of the temple board, made this demand on Saturday. Reddy claimed that during the previous YSR Congress government, a large amount of foreign currency, worth hundreds of crores, was stolen from the temple's donation box, known as the 'hundi'. He alleged that the case was improperly resolved in a Lok Adalat, which is a type of court in India, without following legal procedures. He expressed concern over how a TTD vigilance officer involved in the investigation settled the case in court after reportedly facing pressure from police. Reddy is urging a comprehensive investigation to identify those responsible for the scam and to understand how the stolen money was distributed. Reddy mentioned that IT Minister Nara Lokesh promised strict action against the wrongdoers during his recent visit to Tirumala. He emphasized the need for severe penalties to prevent future fraud. Additionally, Reddy welcomed Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's decision to cancel the construction of the Mumtaz Hotel in Tirupati. He suggested that the area near Alipiri be designated as a temple corridor. He also expressed support for relocating TTD employees who practice religions outside Hinduism, stressing that all employees should respect the temple's traditions and offerings.