However, a recent incident has raised serious concerns over the integrity of the temple’s donation management system. Veerashetty Penchalayya, a contract worker employed in Srivari Parakamani through the Agrigos Company, was caught stealing gold and silver items from the temple’s storage.
Penchalayya had been working for the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for two years, during which he allegedly pilfered valuable gold and silver ornaments. His actions came under suspicion, prompting the TTD vigilance staff to keep him under surveillance. The breakthrough came on Vaikuntha Dwadashi when Penchalayya stole a 100-gram gold biscuit and concealed it in the pipes of a trolley.
The theft was discovered during an inspection by TTD security personnel, prompting Penchalayya to flee the scene. A complaint was filed with the Tirumala 1 Town Police, leading to his quick arrest. During interrogation, Penchalayya confessed to stealing a total of 655 grams of gold and 157 grams of silver, including gold biscuits and ornaments.
The stolen items, valued at approximately ₹46 lakh, were recovered by the police.
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