After the demise of Sathya Sai Baba, the erstwhile calm at Prashanti Nilayam in Puttaparthi has been shattered. An uneasy set of events after the police linked the unaccounted cash seized by it to Yajur Mandir, the personal chambers of Sai Baba, has opened up a can of worms.
The cash-rich Prashanti Nilayam is estimated to be worth over R40,000 crore, although there are no official statements on this. Hence, it has become the targeted focus area for police and revenue officials for a deeper probe into both movable and immovable assets. As we all know, the devotees are not liking all this one bit.
The recent seizures have led to open mud-slinging between the trust members and the family of Sai Baba who suspect foul play regarding the treasures found in Yajur Mandir. While the police suspect that most of the valuables in Yajur Mandir have been concealed, the family members now blame the trust members for not taking them into confidence. In either case, a case of theft has been booked.
But the mystery still looms large. Sai Baba has not left behind a will. So, what will happen to his personal belongings, which were officially recorded as 98 kilogrammes of gold ornaments, bars, biscuits and coins, over 300 kilogrammes of silver and R11.58 crore cash in his living room? It?s anybody?s guess.
Legal notices have been issued to Ratnakar (nephew and trust member) in connection with the seizure of unaccounted cash. Over and above, questions are being raised by the devotees as to just how much money is stashed in Prashanti Nilayam? Where have the golden chariot and golden idol of Sai Baba vanished? The buzz is that the inventory of wealth recorded by the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust conceals more than it reveals.
Sleuths sniffing for more cash in the Baba?s chambers have learnt that there are some more safes and vaults that are yet to be opened. Police is also suspecting the presence of false ceilings and false floors. Perhaps, there are even tunnels and rooms concealed behind the almirahs in the ashram!
Clearly, one has not heard the last on this.
bv.mahalakshmi@expressindia.com