22 hrs ago
TTD Deputy EO Arrested in Disproportionate Assets Case
The Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested Mendu Lokanadham, also called Lokanath, who is a senior official at the Tirumala temple administration.
The arrest is connected to a case about assets that may be greater than his known income.
Investigators searched his home and the homes of some relatives.
The ACB said it found assets worth about Rs 5 crore.
It also reported finding gold, silver and cash at his residence.
Officials took Lokanadham to the ACB office for questioning.
He is expected to appear before an ACB court in Nellore.
The arrest happened shortly before the temple’s Brahmotsavams festival.
A former TTD chairman disputed the ACB’s explanation and alleged political reasons may have been involved.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested TTD deputy executive officer Mendu Lokanadham, also identified as Lokanath, in a disproportionate-assets case.
ACB teams searched his residence and relatives’ homes from Wednesday, reportedly identifying assets worth about Rs 5 crore.
Officials said they found 2 kg of gold, 6.5 kg of silver and Rs 12.50 lakh in cash at his residence.
The case followed information the ACB said came from the CBI after its Tirumala ghee-adulteration investigation and charge sheet.
Former TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy questioned the case’s origins and alleged political targeting, while Lokanadham was expected to be produced before an ACB court in Nellore.
- Who
- Mendu Lokanadham, also identified as Lokanath, the TTD deputy executive officer; the Anti-Corruption Bureau; and political critics including former TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy.
- What
- Lokanadham was arrested in a disproportionate-assets case after searches of locations linked to him.
- Where
- Searches took place at Lokanadham’s residence and relatives’ homes in locations linked to him; he was taken to the ACB office and is expected to appear in Nellore.
- When
- The searches began Wednesday, and the arrest was reported on Thursday; the articles also state that Brahmotsavams are scheduled to begin on September 14.
- Why
- The ACB suspects that Lokanadham’s assets exceed his known income.
ACB Account
Critics’ Concerns
Origin of the case
ACB Account
The ACB said its action followed information shared by the Central Bureau of Investigation after the CBI completed its Tirumala ghee-adulteration investigation and filed a charge sheet.
Critics’ Concerns
Bhumana Karunakar Reddy questioned that explanation, saying Lokanadham’s name did not appear in the CBI Special Investigation Team charge sheet and that he was not questioned in that case.
Basis for the searches
ACB Account
The ACB conducted searches after further inquiry and evidence collection, and said it identified substantial assets, precious metals and cash linked to Lokanadham.
Critics’ Concerns
Karunakar Reddy pointed to the ACB DSP’s reference to a complaint and court permission and sought clarity about how the case was initiated.
Political motivation
ACB Account
The ACB presented the arrest as part of a disproportionate-assets investigation.
Critics’ Concerns
Karunakar Reddy alleged that some TTD officials, along with TTD chairman B R Naidu, targeted Lokanadham for political reasons.
Key facts
- Accused
- Mendu Lokanadham, also identified as Lokanath
- Position
- Deputy executive officer in charge of the Srivari temple at Tirumala
- Investigating agency
- Anti-Corruption Bureau
- Alleged assets
- About Rs 5 crore identified during searches
- Items reportedly found
- 2 kg gold, 6.5 kg silver and Rs 12.50 lakh cash
- Searches
- Lokanadham’s residence and the homes of relatives were searched
- Next legal step
- He was expected to be produced before the ACB court in Nellore
Sources
Related news
ACB Opens Separate Disproportionate-Assets Probe Into TTD Deputy EO
ACB Raids TTD Deputy EO Lokanatham in DA Case
ACB Raids Ibrahimpatnam Tahsildar Over Alleged Rs 100 Crore Assets
ACB raids Senior Assistant's properties in Kurnool over DA allegations
ACB Arrests Suryapet Planning Officer in Asset Probe
Telangana ACB Books Mines Official in ₹3.06 Crore DA Case
Tirupati Prepares for Krishnashtami Celebrations and Devotee Rush
Krishna Water Set to Reach Erstwhile Chittoor After September 10
Tirumala Temple Steps Up Crackdown on Fraud and Security Violations
Collector Urges Water-Based Crop Choices Amid El Niño Concerns
