The Andhra Pradesh High Court has issued a firm directive to the Crime Investigation Department (CID) to accelerate its investigation into the murder of Y Satish Kumar, a former assistant vigilance and security officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The court has decided to actively monitor the probe until the filing of the charge sheet, citing several complex issues that have emerged.
Court Monitors Probe Amid Serious Allegations
Justice Gannamaneni Ramakrishna Prasad, presiding over the case, expressed concern over the findings of the investigation conducted so far. The court noted that according to a preliminary report from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), the primary accused in the case, C Ravi Kumar, falls under the definition of a public servant. Disturbingly, the report indicates that Ravi Kumar and his family members possess numerous assets that are disproportionate to his known sources of income.
In a significant observation, Justice Prasad stated that evidence suggests some TTD and police officials colluded with the accused, C Ravi Kumar, to dilute the case. The High Court also pointed out procedural lapses, noting that the TTD did not follow due process when accepting assets donated by Ravi Kumar. The court has empowered both the CID and ACB to initiate appropriate legal and departmental action against any officials found involved in the Parakamani theft case.
HC Criticizes TTD's Stance on Devotee Treatment
The bench once again voiced its strong displeasure with the TTD's report on proposed security measures aimed at reducing human intervention and eliminating the practice of what it termed "inhuman frisking" of devotees. The court outright rejected the temple body's argument that arranging tables for everyone required trust board approval and needed to conform to Agama Shastra conventions.
Justice Prasad remarked that pouring offerings made to the Lord onto the floor and walking over them was nothing short of insulting to devotees. He accused the TTD of trying to "pass the buck" by hiding behind conventions and traditions. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on January 30.
Parallel Hearing in Parakamani Theft Case
In a related development, a separate bench of the High Court, headed by Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice R Raghunandan Rao, has scheduled the hearing of an appeal petition filed by Parakamani theft accused C Ravi Kumar for January 29. Ravi Kumar is challenging a prior order issued by a single judge in the case.
The murder victim, Y Satish Kumar, was the de facto complainant in the high-profile Parakamani theft case, which involves the alleged misappropriation of offerings at the renowned Tirumala temple. The court's intervention underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the multi-layered legal battle surrounding temple administration, corruption, and a brutal crime.
