Controversy erupts over Tirupati Gold handling by Punjab National Bank
Expressing shock at the lack of security for the transit BJP leader G. Bhanuprakash Reddy said it gave gives impetus to cheating and duping.
The seizure became an awkward situation when Tirupati Board initially denied ownership of the gold.
- The Election Commission seized 1,381 kg of gold worth over Rs 400 crore being brought to the temple treasury in Tirupati Temple
- Andhra Pradesh government ordered a probe into alleged lapses in release and transportation of the gold
- The gold seized in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur on April 17, a day before polling was coming from the PNB’s Chennai branch
- After initially denying ownership, Tirupati Temple committee produced relevant documents to get the gold released
- The temple trust was criticized by political parties for not providing proper security and documentation
EC seized over 1300 kgs of Gold a day before elections in the state
The pure gold bars were deposited by the TTD with the bank in 2016
Chief Secretary L.V. Subrahmanyam ordered an inquiry into “specific lapses, if any,” on the part of Punjab National Bank and Triumala Tirupati Devasthanam. Special Chief Secretary, Revenue, Manmohan Singh has been given time till April 23 to submit a report with critical appreciation.
G. Bhanuprakash Reddy claimed the incident had angered hindus.
The BJP’s Andhra Pradesh unit’s G. Bhanuprakash Reddy claimed that the incident had hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus urging the Union Finance Ministry to investigate the lapse.
Reddy accused PNB of not following the procedure – TTD was unaware that the gold was being brought to Tirupati.
