Vemulawada temple management launches field verification of beneficiaries of ‘kodelu distribution scheme’ in Warangal

This follows the arrest of three persons on charges of acquiring around 66 bulls and cows through fraudulent means from the temple’s goshala

The management of Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy (SRR) temple in Vemulawada has launched a field verification of the beneficiaries of a kodelu (bulls and cows) distribution scheme, intended for poor farmers, in the undivided Warangal district in the wake of allegations of the scheme’s misuse by unscrupulous elements.

This follows the arrest of three persons by the Geesugonda police in Warangal district on December 10 on charges of acquiring around 66 bulls and cows through fraudulent means from the temple’s goshala. One of the arrested has been identified as Rambabu of Manugonda. The accused allegedly used the Aadhaar cards of the farmers to claim the cattle a few months ago.

The SRR temple introduced the scheme to distribute kodelu for free to poor farmers exclusively for agricultural purposes in July this year. The scheme was launched to reduce burden on the overcrowded goshala of the temple.

‘Kode mokku’ is a sacred ritual in the SRR temple, popularly known as ‘South Kashi’, wherein devotees donate bulls and cows to the presiding deity of the temple.

The alleged misuse of the scheme by the trio sparked outrage among devotees. A host of local leaders from the BJP and the BRS in Vemulawada alleged that the accused sold around 28 kodelu to slaughter houses, a charge denied by the temple sources.

According to the Geesugonda police, nine kodelu were rescued from the possession of the accused and shifted to a goshala in a nearby village for safe custody. Three of the 66 kodelu in the possession of the accused died, 26 were returned to the temple goshala by the trio and 28 are missing. It is suspected that the accused sold the 28 kodelu, according to the police.

When contacted, SRR temple executive officer Vinod Reddy told The Hindu that bulls and cows were distributed to eligible farmers after verifying their Aadhaar and other relevant documents, including certificates issued by the mandal agriculture officers.

The field verification, by a team of the temple goshala staff, is under way in the undivided Warangal district to verify the beneficiaries and ensure compliance of the prescribed norms for proper care of the bovines.

Published - December 12, 2024 09:21 pm IST