Temple EO Suspended for Unauthorized Transport of Valuables

The Executive Officer of Gangamma temple was suspended for unauthorized transport of temple valuables, including silver and sarees. Villagers alerted authorities, leading to his suspension and legal action under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu emphasized stringent action to protect temple integrity and devotees' sentiments.

The Executive Officer of Gangamma temple in Sri Satya Sai district was suspended after he was caught transporting temple valuables without authorisation, a police official confirmed on Monday. The transported items included nearly five kg of silver and 15 sarees.

The incident surfaced when locals noticed Murli Krishna with the valuables on Sunday morning, bypassing standard protocol and failing to inform senior officials. Acting swiftly, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu instructed the immediate suspension of the EO and filing a complaint with law enforcement.

Naidu stressed severe measures would follow any breach affecting temple sanctity. Kadri DSP Shivnarayan Swamy noted the prompt intervention by locals led police to intercept and seize the valuables, now under district endowment authority. A case under Section 316 of BNS has been filed, with Murli Krishna facing potential remand as inquiries continue.

(With inputs from agencies.)