Published Sep 03, 2026 | 10:31 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 03, 2026 | 10:31 AM
Lokanatham joined the TTD in 1989 through a compassionate appointment.
Synopsis: The Andhra Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau conducted raids on TTD Deputy Executive Officer Lokanatham and his relatives, reportedly identifying assets worth around ₹5 crore. The searches are linked to the alleged ghee adulteration case. The ACB said the assets were disproportionate to his known sources of income, and searches would continue.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has uncovered substantial assets during raids on premises linked to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Deputy Executive Officer Lokanatham.
Senior ACB officials have disclosed the details of the raids conducted on September 2. The ACB said it conducted the searches as part of its surveillance of officials suspected of facilitating irregularities in connection with the investigation into the alleged adulteration of ghee supplied to the TTD.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing the alleged ghee adulteration case, had recommended that the involvement of TTD officials and other suspects linked to the irregularities be established. The ACB said it conducted searches against Deputy EO Lokanatham against this backdrop.
ACB officials began searches at Deputy EO Lokanatham’s residence early in the morning. The searches were conducted in the presence of Lokanatham and his family members, who were reportedly not allowed to leave the premises during the operation.
Simultaneous searches were conducted at Lokanatham’s residence in Pedda Kapu Layout in Tirupati, the residences of his wife’s brothers, Munikrishna and Ramesh, and the house of his younger brother in Yerpedu mandal. During the first day of searches, assets worth around ₹5 crore were reportedly identified. ACB officials said the value could be higher according to prevailing market rates and that the searches would continue on Thursday, September 3.
According to the ACB, a residential property in Pedda Kapu Layout was purchased in the name of Lokanatham’s wife, Manjula. Officials also identified two house plots in Gollavanigunta, a plot in the Padiredu forest area of Vadamalapeta mandal, and a house plot in Srinivasanagar in Tirupati city in the name of his son. Four fixed deposits held in the names of Lokanatham and his son were also identified.
It is noteworthy that ACB searches were conducted at the residence of a TTD employee after a gap of 14 years. In 2016, the ACB conducted searches at the residences of Bhupathi Reddy, who was then serving as Deputy EO, as well as those of his brothers and relatives.
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The ACB identified assets worth ₹31.88 lakh in the names of Lokanatham’s wife and relatives. Officials also found 2 kg of gold jewellery, 6.50 kg of silver articles, and ₹12.50 lakh in cash in a cupboard.
Documents relating to Lokanatham’s existing G+3 building and a G+1 building on a nearby street were also found.
The ACB also conducted searches at the residences of Lokanatham’s brothers-in-law, Munikrishna and Ramesh, who live in Pedda Kapu Layout. Officials said searches at their residences were still underway. Around ₹28 lakh in cash and 2 kg of gold were reportedly found at their houses.
A fourth ACB team searched the residence of Lokanatham’s younger brother, Venu, in Gundla Kandriga village of Yerpedu mandal. Officials reportedly found documents relating to 10 acres of agricultural land and properties held in the names of family members.
Lokanatham joined the TTD in 1989 through a compassionate appointment. He began his career as a Junior Assistant and subsequently received promotions to Senior Assistant, Assistant EO and Deputy EO. He has been serving as a Deputy EO at the TTD since 2023.
He previously served at Tiruchanur. Although he was transferred to the Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple last year, the transfer was put on hold in view of the investigation into the alleged ghee adulteration case. He is currently serving as Deputy EO in Tirumala.
His office in Tirumala has been sealed. DSP Srinivasa Rao said the ACB had identified assets disproportionate to Lokanatham’s known sources of income and that complete details would be disclosed on Thursday.
After the EO and Additional EO, the Deputy EO in Tirumala holds one of the most important positions in the TTD administration. When prominent personalities visit Tirumala for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara, the Deputy EO is also required to be present along with other senior officials.
With the ACB conducting raids against a serving Deputy EO, concern has reportedly spread among TTD employees over who could come under the agency’s scanner next.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
