Govt Orders Probe Against Durga Temple Executive Officer

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government ordered an inquiry, on Wednesday, into allegations against Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam Executive Officer Ch. Narsing Rao that he was harassing priests.

Trouble began after a devotee lodged a complaint with the EO that the priest in Rs. 20 queue line demanded dakshina on Friday last. The EO allegedly found that another person was discharging duties of temple priest Mangalampalli Subba Rao on that day. A discussion between the EO and the priest followed. Later, the priest was also allegedly harassed by some staff members attached to the EO office. Family members of Subba Rao said that following discussions with the EO and subsequent harassment by the office staff, the priest's blood pressure shot up and he developed health complications.

Mr. Rao was admitted to a private hospital in Bhavanipuram and later shifted to another private hospital in Suryaraopet. His condition is said to be critical.

The inquiry orders were issued by Endowments Deparment Commissioner Anuradha. Meanwhile, a team of the temple's priests met the city police commissioner Gautam Sawang on Wednesday regarding the issue.