Hyderabad: A failed attempt to smuggle tamarind sacks out of the Yadagirigutta hill shrine has put the spotlight on serious lapses in internal security and raised suspicions of an inside job.
The incident unfolded when two outsourcing staffers at the prasadam preparation unit allegedly tried to sneak out several sacks of tamarind, a key ingredient in temple offerings. Using the shrine’s own conveyor belt system, they reportedly moved the sacks toward a getaway vehicle parked nearby.
But a routine police patrol caught them mid-act. As soon as the officers showed up, the suspects ditched both the vehicle and the stolen goods, fleeing the scene on foot. Police later recovered 10 sacks of tamarind and took the two men into custody.
The attempted theft has stirred speculation that the duo wasn’t acting alone. Some believe higher-ups in the temple administration may have looked the other way – or even helped orchestrate the heist.
The episode has sparked scrutiny of temple management. Allegations of senior staff involvement are being floated, and the role of Special Protection Force personnel is under question. An internal review is said to be underway.
