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

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam runs the affairs of a dozen temples, including the Venkateshwara temple, the world's richest temple located on Tirumala hills.

The incident came to light when officials of the Devasthanam were conducting an inventory of the ornaments in all temples of the Devasthanam as directed by the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

The high court last week directed the Devasthanam to conduct an inventory of the ornaments in all its temples and submit a detailed report within two months.

The order came on a petition alleging that the jewellery estimated to be worth over Rs.500 billion was being misappropriated and there was no accountability.