1,400 Acres of Warangal Temple Land Under Encroachment: Hindu Parishad

-Warangal: Chikati Raju, state president of Rashtriya Hindu Parishad (RHP), on Wednesday leveled allegations of corruption and administrative negligence against Ramala Sunitha, deputy commissioner of endowments department in Warangal district.

Addressing a press conference held at Hanamkonda Press Club, he alleged that the official had failed to protect temple lands and ignored financial irregularities in many temples.

Raju alleged that a large amount of temple land has been encroached on, including around 670 acres of Sanur Venkateswara Swamy Temple and 400 acres of Battala Bazar Venkateswara Swamy Temple. He also claimed the loss of 400 acres attached to the Kunti Bhadraiah Temple, a sub-temple of the Bhadrakali Temple.

Lands associated with temples such as Padmakshi Temple, Mettugutta Temple and Erragattugutta Temple were also allegedly under illegal occupation.

On financial matters, Raju alleged that there was a fraud of ₹ 56 lakh in connection with VIP protocols and special services at Bhadrakali Temple and claimed that it was not investigated. He also referred to allegations of irregularities in temple dedications, including the “Pulihora scam” and theft of gold and silver ornaments, stating that no police case was registered and no recovery was made.

He also alleged administrative lapses, including recruitment of persons from other religions in the trust office in violation of rules and inaction on illegal mining on temple lands in Hasanparthy.

Raju also alleged that the temple land, held by a relative of the official, was not taken back and alleged that lower-level staff faced action for minor lapses, but those responsible for larger irregularities were spared. RHP demanded an immediate investigation into the allegations. He warned that protests would take place if action was not taken to recover the encroached lands and resolve the issues raised.