ACB raid at Tirupati: TTD Deputy EO faces corruption probe after major asset recovery
Tirupati/Tirumala: The Andhra Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday arrested Mendu Lokanatham, Deputy Executive Officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the famous Lord Venkateswara shrine in Tirupati, in an alleged disproportionate assets case.
The arrest followed extensive searches conducted at multiple premises linked to Lokanatham and his family members. According to ACB officials, the raids led to the recovery of unaccounted assets worth around Rs 5 crore, including gold, silver, cash, fixed deposits and property documents.
The development has drawn attention as Lokanatham’s name has also surfaced in connection with a wider investigation involving alleged irregularities related to the Tirumala temple administration. The ACB is expected to produce Lokanatham before the Nellore ACB Court as the investigation progresses.
The ACB launched simultaneous searches at 6 am on Wednesday at several locations connected with Lokanatham. The operation continued throughout Thursday as officials examined financial records, property documents and other evidence.
During the searches, ACB officials recovered around 2 kg of gold, 6.5 kg of silver, Rs 12 lakh in cash and four fixed deposits registered in the name of Lokanatham and his son.
The agency also seized documents related to multiple properties, including a flat located in Srinivasa Nagar area of Tirupati, two houses in Gollavanigunta and another house in Padiredu village of Vadamalapeta Mandal. Officials are now verifying the source of these assets and investigating whether they were acquired beyond Lokanatham’s known sources of income.
The ACB conducted searches at Lokanatham’s residence in Peddakapu Layout, Tirupati, along with properties linked to his relatives. The premises of his brother-in-law Munikrishna and Ramesh in the same area were also searched. Another search operation was conducted at the residence of Lokanatham’s brother in Yerpedu Mandal.
According to officials, the investigation involves a detailed examination of financial transactions, ownership records and other documents recovered during the raids. The agency is expected to question individuals connected with the properties and financial dealings as part of the ongoing probe.
The arrest comes at a time when the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is already facing scrutiny over allegations linked to the adulterated ghee controversy involving Tirumala Srivari Laddu Prasadam.
According to officials, Lokanatham’s name appeared in a Special Investigation Team (SIT) list of suspects during the probe into the alleged use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of temple offerings.
The CBI-led SIT investigating the matter has registered cases against certain TTD employees and dairy industry-related individuals. The investigation has also examined the possible role of other persons whose names emerged during the probe.
While the current ACB case relates specifically to alleged disproportionate assets, the latest development has added further focus on accountability and transparency within the temple administration.
The ACB is continuing its investigation to establish the complete extent of assets allegedly linked to Lokanatham. Officials are examining whether the seized gold, silver, cash, fixed deposits and properties correspond with his declared income sources.
The agency is also expected to analyse financial records and other evidence collected during the searches before submitting further details before the court.
The arrest of a senior TTD official has raised concerns over administrative transparency in one of India’s most visited religious institutions. The Tirumala temple attracts millions of devotees every year and manages significant financial and operational responsibilities. Any allegation involving senior officials becomes a matter of public interest due to the institution’s religious and cultural importance.
The latest ACB action is likely to increase demands for stronger monitoring mechanisms and greater accountability in the functioning of the temple administration.
