By The ongoing investigation into the Parakamani case—involving alleged irregularities in the counting and handling of offerings at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)—took a dramatic turn this week after the Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (CID) seized several crucial documents and files related to the case. The move came shortly after the Andhra Pradesh High Court sharply criticized the police for delays and lapses in the initial phase of the investigation.
Court Questions Police Over ‘Incomplete’ Investigation
During a recent hearing, the High Court expressed dissatisfaction over the pace and direction of the probe being conducted by the local police. The bench observed that despite the gravity of the allegations, the investigation had “failed to uncover key details” and appeared to have “ignored important procedural requirements.”
The court questioned why certain documents, including internal audit reports and CCTV footage from the Parakamani halls, had not been collected or analyzed in time. It also asked why no senior officials of the TTD or other departments had been questioned despite clear indications of administrative lapses.
Following these remarks, the court directed the state government to transfer the case to the CID, stating that a specialized agency was better equipped to handle sensitive financial and institutional investigations.
CID Steps In, Seizes Critical Documents
Acting on the High Court’s direction, the CID team based in Mangalagiri swiftly took over the case and began reviewing all previous records. Within 48 hours, CID officials conducted searches at multiple locations, including TTD administrative offices, storage facilities, and local police stations.
Sources said that several key files, registers, and digital storage devices were seized, which are believed to contain details about cash deposits, counting procedures, and staff movements inside the Parakamani halls. The CID is also said to be examining audit records and internal communication logs between temple authorities and police officers.
A senior CID officer confirmed that the seized material will be subjected to forensic and financial analysis to verify whether any tampering, manipulation, or procedural violations occurred. “We are proceeding systematically. Every transaction, record, and security protocol will be examined to ensure that no aspect of the case is overlooked,” the officer said.
Background: What Is the Parakamani Case?
The Parakamani refers to the sacred process of counting offerings made by devotees at the Tirumala temple, one of the richest religious institutions in the world. The procedure, managed by the TTD, involves enormous sums of cash, gold, and valuables donated daily by devotees.
Allegations surfaced earlier this year about mismanagement and possible misappropriation of offerings during the counting process. Whistleblowers and a few former employees claimed that certain records were manipulated and that transparency had declined in the system. The issue quickly gained political traction, with opposition parties demanding a thorough, independent investigation.
Political and Public Reactions
The High Court’s intervention and subsequent CID action have drawn mixed reactions. Opposition parties welcomed the move, alleging that the initial investigation was deliberately slowed down to protect influential individuals. “The court’s decision vindicates our demand for a transparent probe,” one opposition leader stated.
Meanwhile, government representatives have maintained that there was no attempt to shield anyone. They described the court’s criticism as a “wake-up call” for improving accountability and coordination between departments. A senior minister said, “The government has full faith in the judicial process. We have instructed the CID to conduct a fair, professional, and time-bound investigation.”
Public reaction in Tirupati and surrounding regions has been one of concern and hope. Devotees have urged the authorities to restore faith in temple management systems, emphasizing that the sanctity of the Parakamani process must remain unquestionable.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The CID is expected to submit an interim report to the High Court within the next few weeks. Officials indicated that statements from TTD employees, security staff, and supervisory officers would be recorded in the coming days. Forensic experts are also analyzing the seized digital devices for potential data recovery.
Legal analysts believe the investigation could expand further depending on the findings. “If discrepancies are found in records or evidence of misappropriation surfaces, the scope of the case will widen, possibly leading to charges under criminal and anti-corruption laws,” said a former prosecutor familiar with temple trust cases.
Restoring Accountability and Public Trust
The Parakamani case has once again highlighted the need for transparency and oversight in temple administration. The TTD, which handles thousands of crores in annual donations, has often faced calls for modern audit systems and digital monitoring of sensitive processes like counting and storage of offerings.
Experts suggest that beyond punitive action, the state must implement institutional reforms to prevent such controversies in the future. These may include real-time surveillance, periodic third-party audits, and strict documentation procedures.
As the CID deepens its probe, all eyes remain on the High Court’s next hearing, where the agency’s preliminary findings could reveal how deeply the alleged irregularities run—and what it means for one of India’s most revered temples.
