Tirupati: Parakamani Probe: Now It’s Bhumana’s Turn
The sacred halls of Tirumala’s Parakamani, where devotees’ offerings are meticulously counted, have long symbolized trust in one of India’s most revered temples. Yet, a 2023 theft case has pulled back the curtain on potential vulnerabilities, drawing fresh scrutiny from investigators. On November 24, 2025, CID officials issued a notice to former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, a YSRCP leader, summoning him for questioning.
This step comes as the probe intensifies under court orders, aiming to unravel layers of an incident that allegedly involved stolen foreign currency. With deadlines looming, the inquiry balances accountability against the temple’s spiritual legacy, reminding all how even hallowed spaces demand vigilant oversight.
Roots of the Case: A Caught-in-the-Act Moment
It started on April 7, 2023, when CCTV footage captured unusual behavior in the Parakamani hall. Employee C.V. Ravi Kumar, a long-time clerk, was found concealing nine $100 bills – totaling $900 – during a routine check, sparking outrage over breaches in a system handling billions in donations annually.
The case, filed at Tirumala’s First Town Police Station based on a complaint by then Assistant Vigilance and Security Officer (AVSO) Y. Satish Kumar, highlighted gaps in oversight. What began as a single arrest soon ballooned into allegations of a larger pattern, with claims of amassed wealth from years of pilfering.
Ravi Kumar’s family later surrendered properties worth around Rs 100 crore to TTD in May 2023, framing it as a gesture of atonement. This compromise, settled via Lok Adalat, recovered assets but left questions about the full extent of losses and involvement.
Court Intervention: Reopening the Files
The Andhra Pradesh High Court stepped in on September 19, 2025, suspending the Lok Adalat settlement and directing the CID to take over. Justices ordered seizure of all related records – from police files to TTD resolutions – for a sealed report by December 2, citing fresh evidence of a broader scam.
CID Director Ravi Shankar Ayyannar personally oversees the investigation, focusing on transparency in the original handling. The court’s move underscores a commitment to thoroughness, ensuring no stone goes unturned in protecting public faith and temple funds.
This phase has seen teams comb through documents, witness statements, and timelines, with the December deadline adding urgency to piecing together a narrative that spans years.
Recent Twists: Questionings and a Tragic Turn
Building momentum, CID questioned former TTD Vigilance and Security Chief G. Giridhar on November 24 at Tirupati’s Padmavati Guest House. Officials probed whether temple authorities informed higher-ups promptly, the nature of internal inquiries, and submission of reports to then Chief Vigilance and Security Officer (CVSO) Narsimha Kishore.
Giridhar reportedly shared that findings were escalated to Kishore, but recalled no specific advice given to Satish Kumar or signs of external pressure on him. Later that day, they also grilled former AVSO K. Padmanabham on his knowledge of the case.
Tragedy struck earlier when Satish Kumar, key to the initial FIR, was found dead near Tadipatri-Gooty railway tracks on November 14, 2025. Ruled suspicious – possibly murder – his passing came after a six-hour CID session on November 6, halting momentum and fueling demands for deeper probes.
Summon for Bhumana: Scheduled Scrutiny
The notice to Bhumana Karunakar Reddy calls for his appearance at 4 p.m. on November 25, 2025, at the same Padmavati Guest House venue. As ex-chairman during the YSRCP tenure, questions may center on the Lok Adalat process, asset recovery decisions, and any oversight lapses.
Bhumana has countered with calls for a CBI inquiry into Satish Kumar’s death, alleging political harassment. He maintains the 2023 settlement was a humanitarian resolution that recovered funds without prolonged litigation.
This summons marks a pivotal moment, potentially clarifying leadership roles in the saga. Observers watch closely, as outcomes could influence trust in TTD’s governance and spark wider reforms.