Probe me or I’ll fast unto death, says Tirupati temple ex-chief

Former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board chairman B Karunakar Reddy on Tuesday threatened to launch an indefinite fast if the government doesn't respond to his plea for an inquiry within the next 48 hours into corruption charges levelled against him.

There have been allegations of large scale irregularities in the functioning of the TTD, which looks after religious sites in Andhra Pradesh.

''The opposition is deliberately making corruption allegations that I misused funds for my selfish gains and I was an atheist,'' he said.

Speaking to media persons in Hyderabad, he said he had submitted a memorandum to governor's office, as he couldn't secure an appointment with him, urging him to direct the government for either the Central Bureau of Investigation or a sitting high court judge to probe into the charges.

"I am pained at the allegations by political parties that corruption reached new heights during my two-year tenure as TTD board chairman. I have done sincere service to the Lord and my conscience is clear. I am not afraid of anyone.

I am concerned that the sentiment of more than 100 crore Hindus is being hurt each time they point a finger at me with reference to TTD. I want the government to write to CBI immediately for a probe into the activities of TTD and its board," Reddy said.