ACB Raids TTD Deputy EO's Premises in Disproportionate Assets Case
Andhra Pradesh ACB searched multiple properties linked to TTD Deputy EO Mendu Lokanatham over alleged disproportionate assets.
The Andhra Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) carried out coordinated searches on Wednesday at several locations connected to Mendu Lokanatham, the Deputy Executive Officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The action is part of an investigation into allegations that the official holds assets disproportionate to his known income sources.
Seven ACB teams, operating under the supervision of DSP Srinivasa Rao, began the searches early in the morning. The teams inspected Lokanatham's residence in Peddakapu Layout, his office at Tirumala, a guest house, and the homes of relatives in Tirupati and Chellur. Officials also examined his bank lockers at the State Bank of India's STV Nagar branch in Tirupati.
The TTD is the statutory body that manages the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala, one of the most visited Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world. Lokanatham currently serves as the Temple Deputy EO and has held various other positions within the organisation over the years.
During the searches, ACB teams are scrutinising property documents, gold, financial records, and other valuables to assess the scale of the assets and trace their origins. The operation was conducted under warrants issued by the Nellore ACB Court.
ACB chief Atul Singh stated that the precise value of the alleged disproportionate assets and any details of seizures will be made public only after a thorough verification process. The searches are ongoing, and the allegations against the official have not yet been established through legal proceedings.