Seized cash belongs to Sathya Sai Central Trust member: Official

The security in-charge of Prasanthi Nilayam, abode of the late Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi, has claimed that the vehicle from which about Rs35 lakh was seized recently by police belonged to Sathya Sai Central Trust member V Srinivasan.

Pradhan, the security in-charge, said that he was questioned by police about the vehicles that passed through Kodikonda check-post in Anantapur district between 3pm and 7pm on June 18.

"I told them one of the vehicles belonged to Srinivasan," said Pradhan.

"He asked me to leave and said I should come whenever required," he added.

A four-wheeler carrying Rs35.5 lakh in cash was confiscated during checking at Kodikonda check-post under Chilamanthur Police station limits bordering Karnataka on June 18.

Police have arrested three persons, including its driver Harishnanda Shetty, besides Srinivasan's driver Chandrasekhar alias Sekhar and an engineer Sohan Shetty in this connection.

Subsequently, police served notices to Srinivasan and Sai Baba's nephew RJ Ratnakar to appear before them in connection with the seizure of cash.