Tirumala Temple Gold Heist: Contract Employee Caught Stealing Valuables Worth Rs 46 Lakh – News18

Last Updated:January 15, 2025, 00:50 IST

Veerashetty Penchalayya, a contract employee working in Srivari Parakamani, was caught stealing gold items from the storage room. The accused had been working for the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for two years and had allegedly been stealing gold and silver ornaments for over a year

Thousands of devotees visit Tirumala daily to catch a glimpse of Srivari. They believe that even a brief darshan of the Lord’s divine form can wash away their sins and guide them toward salvation. After their prayers are answered, devotees offer donations to the Lord through the hundi, which can range from a single rupee coin to valuable silver and gold items.

However, a recent incident highlighted the importance of vigilance in the Parakamani process. Veerashetty Penchalayya, a contract employee working in Srivari Parakamani, was caught stealing gold items from the storage room. The accused had been working for the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for two years and had allegedly been stealing gold and silver ornaments for over a year.

The TTD vigilance staff grew suspicious of Penchalayya’s activities and kept him under surveillance. On Vaikuntha Dwadashi, he stole a 100-gram gold biscuit and hid it in the pipes of the trolley. During the inspection, the TTD security personnel discovered the theft, and Penchalayya absconded.

The TTD vigilance filed a complaint with the Tirumala 1 Town Police, and Penchalayya was taken into custody. During interrogation, he confessed to stealing 655 grams of gold and 157 grams of silver items, including gold biscuits and ornaments. The police recovered the stolen items, valued at approximately Rs 46 lakh.

Location :

Tirupati, India