Re-evaluation of Gold Ornaments Donated to Anjanadri Temple

Confusion has emerged over gold ornaments worth nearly Rs 2.50 crore donated to the Anjanadri Hanuman temple by a Hyderabad-based businessman, leading the Koppal district administration to review the submitted records and valuation documents. The ornaments will only be formally taken under the temple committee's custody after the panchnama process and document verification are completed.

The controversy began when Mahesh Reddy of AMR Private Limited, reportedly a close associate of former minister Gali Janardhan Reddy, donated gold-coated ornaments and kavachas to the temple on May 8. Architect and sculptor Gundachari Stapathi, representing the donors, stated the kavachas were made of copper coated with 60-gauge gold sheets, with an estimated gold weight of around 1,280 grams.

However, government-appointed jewellers and bank valuers assessed the ornaments differently, stating the actual gold coating could be only 250 to 300 grams. This significant discrepancy has raised questions about the actual value and composition of the donated items, prompting a detailed re-verification.

Koppal Deputy Commissioner Dr Suresh Itnal had directed the donors to submit bills, invoices, and certificates by May 12. Gundachari Stapathi submitted the documents on May 11. Officials will now examine purchase bills, invoices, and labour charge details before making a final decision, ensuring transparency as per temple and government regulations.