Temple trustee accused of stealing money

Mangaluru: A

trustee

of a

temple managing committee

was accused of

stealing money

during the

counting

of the

hundi collection

. The counting took place in February. Jagadish Kumar executive officer (in-charge),

Kadri Sri Manjunatha temple

told TOI: “We have received a complaint from two trustees in this regard, that does not name the accused. We have forwarded it to the endowment commissioner for appropriate action, and are waiting for a direction from him.”

Allegations were made against a women trustee of the temple, that she allegedly stole money while counting the hundi collection, by keeping money in her blouse. A picture allegedly from CCTV footage, has also gone viral. However, countering these allegations, the woman has approached the city police and lodged a complaint, and also prayed before the deity, claiming her innocence. The woman claimed that she was being targeted due to an internal issue among the trustees, and was also willing to undergo a truth test. The act of her tucking in her handkerchief in her waist has been misinterpreted in an attempt to defame her, sources said.

VHP divisional secretary Sharan Pumpwell also demanded an investigation into the incident.