Bengaluru: Gold necklace row erupts at historic Dharmaraya Swamy temple, Muzrai officials in dock

Former temple president accuses Muzrai officials of theft; EO denies charges as minister orders probe

A major controversy has erupted at the historic Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple in Bengaluru, following allegations that a valuable gold necklace offered to Draupadi was stolen by officials of the Muzrai Department.

The allegations were made by K. Satish, former president of the temple administration committee. He has accused the Executive Officer (EO) Nagaraj and other Muzrai officials of illegally taking temple jewellery outside the premises without permission.

According to Satish, the issue came to light during the hundi counting, when both cash and a gold necklace weighing around 122 grams were found. He alleged that instead of depositing the jewellery as per rules, the EO took it away personally. Later, when questions were raised, officials reportedly claimed the necklace weighed only 68 grams.

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Satish further alleged that the jewellery was returned to the temple three days later, and insisted that the administration has documentary evidence to support its claims. He said Muzrai rules clearly state that temple jewellery cannot be taken outside without the Commissioner’s approval, which was allegedly not obtained.

The former president also made serious corruption allegations against the Muzrai Department, claiming officials demand commissions for releasing funds. He alleged that ₹2 lakh commission is sought for every ₹10 lakh released. He named six officials, including Tahsildar Arvind Babu, ADC Jagadish, former EO Naveen, EO Nagaraj, and Assistant Commissioner Purushottam, accusing them of working as a group.

Satish further claimed irregularities in the funding of the world-famous Bengaluru Karaga festival, stating that while ₹1.5 crore was allocated in the budget, only ₹40 lakh was released after the festival, and even that amount was not fully disbursed to vendors.

Responding to the allegations, EO Nagaraj denied any theft. Speaking to NewsFirst, he said the necklace was found during hundi counting on October 6. Since it was late evening and bank officials could not arrive for testing, the jewellery was taken for purity and weight verification at a nearby authorised gold testing facility. He said the temple lacks a locker facility and that the usual procedure could not be followed as the chief priest had already been removed and the assistant priest suspended.

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Nagaraj stated that the necklace was tested the same day, and later re-tested in the presence of bank officials before being placed back into the hundi. He firmly denied any change in weight or wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, Transport and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy said he has instructed the Commissioner to conduct a detailed inquiry. He said questions remain on how the necklace went missing and how it reappeared, and assured strict action against anyone found guilty.