That-Indian News states that actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi informed the Andhra Pradesh assembly in India that the mortgaging of fine jewelry at a Tirupati temple by the head priest is not an isolated incident.

Chiranjeevi, who is the Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) president, represents Tirupati constituency in the assembly. He told the assembly that he was ready to table evidence of similar misappropriations of fine jewelry at other temples under Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. Chiranjeevi demanded a debate in the matter.

Following similar demands from the main opposition party Telugu Desam (TDP) and other opposition parties, speaker N. Kiran Kumar Reddy stated that the house would hold a debate on the issue tomorrow.

On August 22, Tirupati police arrested the head priest of the Devasthanam-run Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple on charges of theft, cheating and criminal breach of trust. Venkatramana Deekshithulu had reportedly mortgaged gold ornaments and luxury jewelry belonging to the temple with a private money lender for Rs.1 million for his own personal needs.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam runs the affairs of a dozen temples, including the Venkateshwara temple which is considered the world’s richest.

Last week the high court instructed the Devasthanam to conduct an inventory of the golden ornaments and luxury jewelry in all of its temples and submit a detailed report within two months.

According to a petition, luxury jewelry valued at over Rs.500 billion is being misappropriated without any accountability.