VIJAYAWADA: A probe team headed by Endowments Commissioner K Ramachandra Mohan visited Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam, located on Indrakeeladri hill, on Monday to look into alleged irregularities in saree tenders and sales.

The team, which included deputy commissioners KB Srinivasa Rao and Ch. Venkatesh, along with superintendent KLN Setty, examined temple records and held discussions regarding saree offerings, tenders, and sales.

The allegations, which trace back to 2021, involve junior assistant Subramanyam, who is accused of embezzling Rs 2 crore from saree sales. Following this, then temple Executive Officer MV Suresh Babu initiated an investigation, suspending Subramanyam and appointing Additional Executive Officer Sudharani as the inquiry officer.

Sudharani conducted the probe and submitted her findings to her successor, D Bramarambha. However, no further action was taken, reportedly due to political interference from former Endowments Minister Velampalli Srinivas Rao.

During the 2018-19 period, the temple generated a record Rs 8 crore from saree sales, but Rs 2 crore worth of bills remain unaccounted for.

The inquiry committee is set to return to the temple on March 11 and has instructed officials to prepare detailed ledger files on saree auctions and sales.