Tirupati clerk caught stealing hundi money for 20 years, built ₹140 crore empire

Ravikumar, a long-serving clerk at Tirumala Tirupati temple, allegedly stole hundi money for two decades, building assets worth ₹140 crore across cities before the case resurfaced.

A shocking case of long-running robbery has come to light at the revered Tirumala Tirupati temple. Ravikumar, a clerk employed at the temple for the past 20 years, has been accused of systematically siphoning off money and gold from the temple hundi during counting. Tasked with handling the hundi collection, Ravikumar allegedly slipped cash and valuables into his pockets on a daily basis, slowly amassing a staggering fortune.

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Over two decades, his theft reportedly funded the purchase of vast properties across Tirupati, Chennai, and Hyderabad, now estimated to be worth nearly ₹140 crore. Astonishingly, this was uncovered despite the temple’s counting center being spread across 22,000 sq ft with 108 CCTV cameras in place. The first clue came in April 2023, when Ravikumar was caught acting suspiciously on camera. On a physical check, officials found nine US dollars in his possession. Under questioning, he admitted this was not his first time but that he had been stealing hundi money for years.

While an FIR was filed, the case soon took an unexpected turn. In May 2023, Ravikumar and his wife donated seven properties in their name back to TTD, with the then-chairman approving the arrangement. Later, the case was settled through the Lok Adalat, effectively shielding Ravikumar from prison. Many staff were left stunned at how such a massive theft was handled so lightly.

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However, the case has resurfaced after the recent change of government in Andhra Pradesh. With Chandrababu Naidu back as Chief Minister, scrutiny over past TTD mismanagement has intensified. The Andhra High Court has since quashed the Lok Adalat settlement and directed the CID to seize all records linked to the scandal. Hearing is scheduled for October 13.

The revelations have sparked outrage among devotees and temple members. Critics argue that during the Jagan Mohan Reddy government, no strict action was taken against Ravikumar, despite evidence of large-scale theft. Some say his case was brushed aside in the name of “humanitarian concern,” claiming his family was on the verge of suicide. Current TTD members, however, demand that all assets linked to him be confiscated, stressing that the wealth was built entirely by looting temple donations.

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The scandal has shocked devotees worldwide, with many questioning how a clerk could siphon hundi money undetected for two decades. From luxury cars like BMWs to high-value properties, Ravikumar’s lavish lifestyle is now being seen as the product of the temple’s stolen offerings. As the case heads back to court, devotees hope for strict action and full recovery of the looted wealth.