Unauthorised pujas performed in Durga temple: probe officials

‘A report has been submitted to the govt.’

A file photo of Kankadurga Temple in Vijayawada.

Officials who probed the recent allegations that ‘tantrik pujas’ were performed in the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam, confirmed that “unauthorised pujas” were performed to the presiding deity.

It was alleged that ‘tantrik pujas’ were performed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple on the intervening night of December 26 and 27, 2017, atop Indrakeeladri. As the news spread, the government had ordered an inquiry in January.

The city police, who picked up the priests and questioned the temple staff, confirmed that unauthorised pujas were performed in the Durga temple.

“We have questioned the private priests, Amanchi Srujan and Ghantalasa Parthasaradhi, who allegedly performed the pujas,” a police officer said. They entered the

sanctum sanctorum at around 10.30 p.m. on December 26, removed the Durga ‘alankaram’ and performed pujas for about two hours,” the officer said.

Call data matched

“The priests had a feast, and non-vegetarian dishes and liquor were also taken into the temple premises. The call data recordings of the accused and that of some temple staff matched. A report has been submitted to the government,” the officer said.

EO transferred

Following the allegations, the government transferred the then Executive Officer A. Surya Kumari and ordered a detailed inquiry.

“As the private priests hurriedly completed the purification process after the pujas, the place was not cleaned properly,” said a priest.