'Financial flaws' prompt Karnataka govt takeover of Gaali Anjaneyaswamy temple

Bengaluru: The government has officially taken over the administration of Gaali Anjaneyaswamy temple at Byatarayanapura on Mysuru Road here, declaring it a “notified institution” under Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, 1997.

The government order dated July 8 came after a detailed report by the commissioners of the department of religious endowment, pointing out serious management problems and claims of financial wrongdoing in the temple trust.

After careful review, the government officially declared the temple a notified institution under the Act because of poor management, money problems and lack of clear records in the trust’s work.

The proposal said CCTV footage had surfaced showing temple staff allegedly stealing money during the counting of offerings from the temple’s hundi (donation box).

“These clips circulated widely on social media, raising public outrage and concerns over the temple’s governance,” the order said.

Early checks showed big problems, so in October 2024, the commissioners asked the deputy commissioner for a detailed report on whether the government should take control under the 1997 law.

On April 25, 2025, officials went to court, to ask the government to take over the temple. They did an investigation as per the law and gave the report to the department heads.

The report highlighted that although the temple earned lakhs of rupees annually, trustees lacked coordination and had no savings, spending all revenue yearly.

It found that for over 25 years, no official records were maintained; documentation began only after notices were issued.

The theft incident, widely publicised on social media, deeply hurt devotees’ religious sentiments and tarnished the temple’s reputation, it said.

The inquiry concluded that government takeover was appropriate for the interests of the public and the devotees. Accordingly, the commissioners formally recommended bringing the temple under state control as per law.