From Clerk To Crorepati: The ₹100 Cr Scam Inside India’s Richest Temple

The Tirumala Tirupati temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in India, attracting millions of devotees each year. People donate generously, believing their offerings to Lord Venkateswara will bring spiritual blessings. However, a shocking incident in April 2023 exposed how even the most trusted insiders could betray this faith. The case of CV Ravi Kumar , a clerk who had worked at the temple for more than three decades, raised serious questions about accountability in handling the enormous daily donations.

A Routine Life Turned Scandalous

In the early 1990s, a young man named CV Ravi Kumar joined the Pedda Jeeyanagar Mutt, which oversees the temple’s spiritual and administrative matters. Barely in his 20s, he was appointed as a clerk. His responsibilities included one of the most delicate tasks in the temple—supervising the daily counting of donations. The sums were staggering, ranging between ₹4 crore and ₹6 crore every day. For over thirty years, Ravi Kumar’s life appeared ordinary. He came to work, did his job, and returned home quietly.

The Incident That Changed Everything

In April 2023, suspicion arose when a security guard monitoring the CCTV noticed something unusual. Ravi Kumar was behaving strangely inside the temple’s money-counting hub. His actions were different from his usual calm demeanor, prompting a strip search. The revelation shocked everyone. Ravi Kumar was caught with nine $100 bills hidden between his buttocks.

Devotee Trust and Its Importance

The Tirupati temple thrives on the faith of millions who donate money, jewelry, and other valuables. These offerings are made with devotion, expecting them to be used for religious and welfare purposes. The discovery that a long-serving employee attempted to smuggle out money undermines this trust. For devotees, the incident was not merely about stolen notes but about betrayal of spiritual faith.

Questions of Oversight

The episode also highlighted lapses in oversight mechanisms. With such large amounts handled daily, strict checks should have been in place to prevent misappropriation. The fact that an insider managed to conceal and attempt theft raises concerns about security protocols. Was this an isolated case or just the tip of a deeper issue?

Human Side of the Story

Ravi Kumar’s actions stunned many because he was not seen as someone prone to misconduct. For three decades, he performed his duties without drawing suspicion. His sudden fall from grace shows how financial temptation can break even long-standing discipline. While the discovery was shocking, it also points to the vulnerabilities humans face when entrusted with immense responsibility.

Larger Implications for Temple Administration

Temples like Tirupati handle colossal sums every year. They are not just religious centers but also institutions of financial and cultural importance. This incident highlights the need for modern auditing practices, transparency in handling donations, and frequent security reviews. Adopting digital tracking of funds and regular audits could help prevent such betrayals.

Public Reactions and Media Coverage

When the news broke, it made national headlines. Many devotees expressed outrage while others called for immediate reforms in the temple’s donation-handling system. Some argued that “one individual’s actions should not tarnish the image of the temple,” while others believed it was time for stricter measures.

Lessons for Faith Institutions

Faith-based institutions must understand that trust is their greatest asset. Once broken, it is difficult to rebuild. The Ravi Kumar case teaches that no one should be considered beyond scrutiny. Accountability systems must be impartial and robust to protect both the sanctity of faith and the financial resources entrusted to religious institutions.