BENAGLURU: The famous Gali Anjaneya Temple at Byatarayanapura in the city has become the centre of controversy. Last year, temple board members were caught throwing money in the air while counting the offerings, which was captured on CCTV camera.
The state government had directed the Hindu Religious Institution & Charitable Endowment Department to submit a report on the incident.
Now, the Muzrai department has recommended to the state government that the Gali Anjaneya Swamy Temple be taken over by the department. Accepting the recommendation, the government has declared the temple a notified institution under Sections 42 and 43 of the 1997 Act.
The temple trustees have strongly opposed the government’s decision, claiming that it is unfair and that the temple management has been passed down through generations.
Following the government’s decision, officials visited the temple on Friday night and sealed the temple’s hundi (offering box). They also locked the strong room containing jewellery worth approximately Rs 40 crore and posted a notice. The locals protested and refused to let the Muzrai department officials leave the premises.
During an inquiry, it was found that the temple trustees had submitted false documents to the district collector. The trustees claimed that they were unable to produce proper documents, stating that there was no income and all the maintenance expenses were borne by them.
The government has now appointed an administrator and an executive officer to oversee the temple’s activities to ensure transparency. Purushottam has been appointed as the administrator, and Kumaraswamy as the executive officer.
The government has taken over the administration of the temple, with Narayana Swamy appointed as the executive officer to oversee the process. The temple trustees have stated that they will abide by the government’s orders and cooperate with the newly appointed officials.
Narayanswamy said, “We will issue notice to the temple trustees asking to hand over temple properties to Muzarai Department”.
Meanwhile, devotees have been protesting against the government’s decision, reciting Hanuman Chalisa and chanting “Jai Shree Ram” slogans. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has also joined the protest, condemning the government’s move.
MLA C K Ramamurthy has also objected to the temple being taken over by the Muzrai department, stating that the temple was developed during the tenure of former CM Yeddyurappa and now generates thousands of crores in revenue.
The temple committee president said, “We need some time to hand over. After the court hearing, we will proceed as per the court order”. He has demanded that the government reconsider its decision and focus on developing other temples instead. The department has put up a banner at the temple, announcing that it has taken over the administration.
