Protests In Tirupati Tirumala Temple By Hindu Groups Against Chief Priest Being Relieved Of His Duties

Hindu groups protested on Saturday against Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam’s decision to relieve chief priest A V Ramana Deekshitulu of his duties after he levelled allegations against the temple’s governing board, The News Minute reports.

The chief priest had alleged that the ornaments and jewels, reportedly donated to the temple during the Srikrishnadevaraya era, have been missing for a long time. The governing body, however, has refused to make the information public.

The protesters demanded a probe into the allegations made by the chief priest and asked the governing body to make the details about the ornaments public.

Doubts over the safety of ornaments have also been raised by the Rayalaseema Porata Samithi. The body has said that a report prepared by the Chief Vigilance & Security Officer in 2001 on the issue of missing diamond should be made public.

“All allegations made regarding the ancient jewels of the Lord are baseless. The TTD is maintaining all records. The announcement of retirement of all the Mirasis is definitely a good move, as the next generations will also get an opportunity to serve the lord,” the new head priest, A Venugopala Deekshitulu, has said.

Earlier, the N Chandrababu Naidu-led government in Andhra Pradesh had lashed out at the chief priest, accusing him of 'tarnishing the reputation' of the temple.