**Gali Anjaneya Swamy Temple in Bengaluru Taken Over by State Government**
The Gali Anjaneya Swamy Temple in Bengaluru has been officially taken over by the State Government and designated as a ‘Notified Institution’ under the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act of 1997. This decision comes in the wake of various controversies, including allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and the misappropriation of temple donations that emerged last year.
Karnataka’s Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Ramalinga Reddy, emphasized the necessity of this intervention, stating, “We have taken over the temple following reports of disproportionate assets, corruption, and irregularities. The takeover will last for five years, during which we aim to streamline the administration before returning control to the temple trustees.” He also noted that the previous Bharatiya Janata Party government had taken similar actions with eight temples during their tenure. Reddy assured that if the irregularities are resolved sooner, the temple will be returned to its trustees earlier than planned.
The temple gained significant public attention in September 2024 when several videos surfaced online, allegedly showing individuals stealing donations during the counting process. One video appeared to capture a man discreetly pocketing a bundle of cash from a table while temple officials were busy counting donations on the floor. Another video showed the same individual handing cash to someone dressed in priestly attire, while a third depicted a different man carrying a large amount of currency around the premises, eventually transferring it into a bag passed to him by another person.
These videos sparked outrage among devotees and led to demands for accountability. Although the identities of those involved were not immediately disclosed, local authorities confirmed that a First Information Report was filed in July 2024 based on the footage. The police have since initiated an investigation to identify and apprehend the individuals implicated in the suspected thefts.
In conclusion, the takeover of the Gali Anjaneya Swamy Temple marks a significant step by the Karnataka government to address issues of corruption and mismanagement within religious institutions. The outcome of the investigation and subsequent administrative changes will be closely monitored by the public and devotees alike.
**FAQ**
**What prompted the takeover of the Gali Anjaneya Swamy Temple?**
The takeover was prompted by allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and theft of donations, highlighted by videos showing suspicious activities during the counting of temple donations.
