Udupi : The former head of the governing body of Kollur Mookambika Temple, Appanna Hegde, has demanded speedy inquiry into the recent case of gold worth crores of rupees missing from the temple.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Hegde alleged that the inquiry into the theft has come to a standstill due to pressure from influential people. “The temple executive officers should be held responsible for the theft. Instead, people at lower positions are being held accountable,” he criticised, and questioned how the executive officers, who were responsible for the maintenance of the rules and regulations of the temple, escaped the legal inquest. “The treasury key should be with the temple executive officer, who should be in-charge of the gold and money that is collected and donated by the devotees,” he pointed out.

He said the endowment AC, the present project director who was in-charge executive officials of the temple, special tahsildar, Byndoor, and tahsildar at the DC’s Office are responsible.

He added that the audit is not done since eight years, although the Mookambika temple is big and draws hundreds of devotees daily.

“The discontinuing of the inquiry midway has raised the eyebrows of the devotees, besides hurting them. There are also artificial ornaments inside the temple in place of original ornaments. The issue is not taken up for inquiry,” he pointed out.He added the executive officer of the temple informed the police following eight days after the incident of theft came to light. It signifies the attempt by the temple authorities to mislead the police and the inquiry, he insisted.

He alleged that it seems to be an conspiracy to save the influential people behind the screen. “The superintendent of police, who addressed the media was suspicious about the involvement of many people. He had also assured to take the legal course against the executive officer, assistant executive officer and other eight people, after consulting the Endowment Department. There is, however, no signs of action taken against these accused,” he said.

He added that there are also instruction to melt the items including ‘Arati,’ ‘Kaludeepa’ and other materials to manufacture the items for the temple museum and questioned the authenticity of the direction. He said, the executive officer should take the permission from the government to use the temple assets.

He said that he, along with the devotees, would go further on with the protest demanding in-depth and thorough inquiry into the incident. He said he would also pursue legal action, appealing for the transparent investigation.