Andhra issues notice to Trust

The state government had been keenly following the case that Anantapur District Police had filed in connection with the seizure of Rs 35.50 lakh cash from a vehicle belonging to the Sathya Sai Central Trust two weeks ago. The decision to issue the notice was taken after police submitted its report after questioning Sai Babas nephew R J Ratnakar and V Srinivasan,on Saturday and Monday,respectively.

The state had decided to seek details about the Trusts activities on June 22,but had been delaying the notice till the investigation into the cash seizure was over.

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy met I-T and Endowments Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah,Revenue Minister N Raghuveera Reddy,and Chief Secretary S V Prasad and decided to seek a report from the Trust.

The government on Monday sent a letter to the Trust seeking a detailed report about all its activities,income and expenditure,Trusts guidelines,names of members,detailed resumes of members and their role in the Trusts activities. The Trust has been given 10 days time to furnish the information.

Lakshmaiah said the Trust had been enjoying several exemptions under the Endowments Act. But now there are several allegations of financial irregularities. We have sought a report from the Trust and we will decide what to do later, he said.