In a significant turn of events, CV Ravi Kumar, the prime accused in the high-profile Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Parakamani theft case, has broken his long public silence. Through a selfie video released on Saturday, Kumar made a series of startling claims, vehemently denying allegations that he bribed officials after the scandal came to light.
The Accused's Public Defense
In the video, CV Ravi Kumar stated that he previously worked as a clerk at the Tirumala Pedda Jeeyar mutt and was involved in cable television and real estate businesses. He admitted to committing a "mistake" during the Parakamani (temple treasure collection) on April 29, 2023. Following this, he claimed that he and his family donated 90% of their properties, worth approximately Rs. 14 crore, to the TTD out of remorse for the "grave sin."
Kumar strongly refuted the widespread narrative that these donations were bribes paid under pressure. "Why will I have to pay bribes to anyone to donate my own properties to the TTD?" he questioned in the video. He also alleged that certain individuals attempted to blackmail him, leading to police complaints and registered cases.
Addressing Bizarre Allegations and Case Timeline
The accused addressed a particularly sensational rumour that has circulated for two years: that he underwent surgery to his private parts to conceal stolen valuables. Kumar labeled this a "baseless propaganda" that has deeply disturbed his family. He appealed to the courts to order a thorough medical examination, promising full cooperation to prove the claim false.
The case's chronology is complex. Kumar was caught red-handed stealing USD 900 (Rs. 72,000) during the Parakamani on April 29, 2023. A month later, in May-June 2023, he and his family donated seven properties to the TTD. The case took an unexpected turn when the Lok Adalat court in Tirupati acquitted Kumar on September 9, 2023, following a compromise settlement with the then TTD AVSO, Y Satish Kumar.
Reinvestigation and a Mysterious Death
However, the matter was far from closed. Based on a writ petition filed by Tirupati-based journalist Macherla Srinivas, the Andhra Pradesh High Court directed the CID and ACB in October to reinvestigate the case. The agencies were ordered to submit their findings in a sealed cover by December 2.
The case took a dark and mysterious twist on November 10. The complainant and a railway police inspector, T Satish Kumar, was found dead on a train while en route to Tirupati to appear before the CID for examination. Preliminary police investigations confirmed he was murdered, adding a layer of intrigue and gravity to the ongoing probe.
Both the CID and ACB submitted their sealed findings to the High Court on the stipulated date of December 2. The court has posted the matter for its next hearing on December 9, where the future course of this controversial and multi-layered case will be determined.
