Udupi : Annappa Panjurli Daivasthana management accused of fund misuse

Udupi : Annappa Panjurli Daivasthana management accused of fund misuse

Mangalore Today News Network

 Udupi, July 31, 2013:  A nearly eight century old shrine –Sri Annappa Panjurli Daivasthana at Kodavoor is mired in  controversies following complaints  of financial irregularities.

 According to the devotees of the temple, though a  sum of Rs 12 lakh had been collected for  having a golden mask for the idol, the  temple committee led by Dr Hariprasad Aithal, Secretary Diwaker Shetty Thotadamane Kodavoor and Treasurer  Shreesha Kodavoor  had  got a golden mask done for Rs 2,27,361 from Swarna Jewellers, Mangalore. The devotees also allege that no proper documents had been maintained with regard to the contribution of fund by devotees.

 The devotees also pointed out that a Golden sword offered to the shrine by the Shiroor Sri Lakshmivara Theertha Swamiji  during the annual festival in February this year, was found to be fake and now as the news has spread, the seer had taken back the golden sword. The devotees alleged that three persons of the management were behind this irregularity too.

Yet another allegation was that the Committee Secretary had links with land mafia  and had raised a commercial building using the shrine funds. The trio has also gifted a golden bangle to the Bhootha Kola artiste using the devotees’ funds, they alleged.

The devotees have also submitted memoranda to Home Minister KJ George, Udupi Legislator Pramod Madhwaraj, Udupi DC Dr MT Reju and SP Dr Boralingaiah seeking a probe into the bungling.