ANANTAPUR/VIJAYAWADA: Former TTD Assistant Vigilance and Security Officer (AVSO) Y Satish Kumar, who was facing allegations in the sensational Parakamani theft case, was found dead under mysterious circumstances on Friday morning.
Railway linemen found Satish’s body on the Komali railway track near Tadipatri in Anantapur district. Railway police shifted the body to railway hospital, and informed his family about Satish’s death.
According to sources, Satish boarded the Rayalaseema Express at Guntakal railway station on Thursday night. He was supposed to appear before the investigation officer in Parakamani theft case in Tirupati on Friday.
“The cause of death is yet to be ascertained. We are collecting the call data record of Satish, and others involved in the Parakamani theft case,” said the railway police.
Satish, who was currently serving as a Government Railway Police (GRP) Inspector at Guntakal railway station, hailed from Pattikonda in Kurnool district.
Former TTD AVSO’s death comes hours before he was supposed to appear for quizzing
In April 2023, Satish lodged a formal complaint alleging that CV Ravi Kumar, a head clerk in Pedda Jeeyar Swamy Mutt, involved in counting temple hundi (Parakamani) collection, had misappropriated money.
During routine surveillance, Satish caught Ravi Kumar stealing $900 from Parakamani. He registered a case in the TTD Vigilance wing, besides lodging a complaint with the Tirumala Two Town police, who registered a case against Ravi. However, Satish withdrew the case later.
Eventually, the matter was forced into a settlement in Lok Adalat on September 9, 2023, and Ravi Kumar was let off. Ravi Kumar reportedly agreed to donate his assets if he was spared from criminal prosecution. Subsequently, the TTD Board adopted a resolution stating that the Devasthanam was receiving some properties as donations from Ravi Kumar.
After the TDP-led NDA came to power, multiple petitions were filed in the High Court challenging the compromise, and the authenticity of the Lok Adalat settlement. While hearing the petitions, the court directed the CID to reopen the theft case, and thoroughly investigate the matter. It also directed the ACB to probe the assets of Ravi Kumar. Under the directions of AP CID Director General Ravi Shankar Ayyanar, a special team was constituted.
The team had intensified the probe, summoning key individuals involved in the compromise.
Highly placed sources said the investigation had reached a critical stage, and Satish was supposed to be questioned again. It may be recalled that Satish was called for questioning on November 10. He was asked to appear before the investigation officer on November 14.
“Satish, who was supposed to appear for questioning, was found dead on railway tracks. Whether it is a case of suicide, accident, or foul play remains unknown,” said a senior official on the condition of anonymity.
With key accused missing, and a crucial witness now dead, the Parakamani theft case has taken a new turn. When the TNIE tried to contact CID DG Ravi Shankar Ayyanar, he was not available for a comment on the Parakamani theft probe.