BJP seeks SIT probe into 'encroachment' of Amaravati temple lands

Vijayawada: BJP state spokesperson Darsanapu Srinivas has urged the state govt to constitute a special investigation team (SIT) and order a probe by a sitting judge into alleged irregularities and encroachments involving lands belonging to the historic Sri Amaralingeswara Swamy temple in Amaravati.Pointing out that the ancient temple was central to the identity of capital city Amaravati, he alleged that lands belonging to the centuries-old temple were being misused and diverted by vested interests with the alleged support of corrupt officials. According to Srinivas, nearly 281.66 acres were originally allotted by Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu to servitors associated with the temple.“However, some individuals who are no longer rendering temple services have illegally retained the lands instead of surrendering them to the temple administration. Land records were manipulated to obtain pattadar passbooks and secure bank loans, while some parcels have been sold to private individuals,” the BJP leader claimed.He also alleged irregularities in temple lands located at Denduluru in Khammam district in Telangana, where around 410.34 acres are registered in the name of Amaralingeswara Swamy temple. “Officials failed to collect lease amounts from tenants or conduct transparent public auctions. Similarly, 267.28 acres of temple land spread across Madala, Dammalapadu, Dondapadu, Davuluru, and Amaravati villages in Guntur district are facing encroachment and lease irregularities,” Srinivas alleged, and appealed to chief minister Chandrababu Naidu to order a comprehensive inquiry into the total extent of temple lands and alleged encroachments, and take action against those responsible through fast-track courts.He also alleged corruption in temple administration and expenditure related to temple festivals, and demanded a separate inquiry into financial irregularities. Srinivas warned that they would launch large-scale protests and move either the Lokayukta or the high court if the govt failed to act on the issue.