4 Srikalahasti temple staff suspended

Tirupati: Four temple staffers of Lord Shiva temple at Srikalahasti, including the chief priest and chief security officer, were suspended by the temple executive officer on Saturday, following the controversy related to installation of two statues inside the main temple complex by private persons.Though initially temple officials and priests feigned ignorance over the installation, backlash from devotees, and various political and religious outfits forced the temple EO to order an enquiry. Following the outcome of the probe, Srikalahasti EO Ramachandra Reddy suspended temple chief priest Sambandham Gurukkal, chief security officer Dhanapal, and temple inspectors Vijaya Saradhi and Venkatamuni. TNN