A 40-year-old outsourcing employee of Union Bank of India, V Penchalaiah, was arrested by Tirumala police for allegedly stealing a 100-gram gold biscuit from the Parakamani (currency counting hall) at the Tirumala temple. The incident occurred on Friday when Penchalaiah, working through the Andhra Bank Retired Employees’ Projects of Self Engagement (ABREPOSE), took the gold biscuit while performing his duties.
Penchalaiah attempted to conceal the stolen item by wrapping it in a knife and rope, hiding it in the pipe hole of an empty steel hundi trolley. However, his actions were caught by vigilant guards during a routine check of the trolley. The hidden gold biscuit was discovered, and CCTV footage confirmed Penchalaiah’s involvement.
Vigilance officials immediately alerted the authorities, and an investigation was launched. Additional EO Venkaiah Choudhary and other officials inspected the scene, instructing police to take swift action. The police have registered a case based on the complaint by vigilance staff, and one Town Sub-Inspector is leading the ongoing investigation.
This arrest underscores the importance of vigilance and commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of the Tirumala temple. Authorities are determined to prevent such breaches and ensure the security of the temple’s sacred assets.
