Daijiworld Media Network – Hyderabad (SP)

Hyderabad, Jun 25: Andhra Pradesh government, which had earlier decided to stay aloof relating to the issue of the activities of Sathya Sai Central Trust, has decided to take the plunge. Reportedly, there is bitter disagreement over the trust affairs between the trustees and close family members of Sathya Sai Baba, which has compelled the government to intervene and act.

R J Ratnakar and V Srinivasan, trustees, who were served with notices relating to cash-in-transit, are expected to record their statements on Saturday June 25.

The government has now asked the trustees for a detailed report relating to cash amounting to ` 35 lac that was found being transported in a vehicle some time back. The person who was taking the cash had claimed that the money belonged to the said trust.

State endowments minister, Ponnala Lakshmaiah, said that the government will review the situation and take a decision on various exemptions extended to the trust, after getting its report on current financial status and other plans. The Chief Minister had convened a high level meeting with the top brass of state intelligence in the matter.

Telugu Desam Party, which happens to be the main opposition in the state assembly, has criticized the government for belated and insufficient response in the case. Its president, Chandrababu Naidu, said that the government could have averted the situation from turning murkier, if it had taken action in time. He said that the government is expected to ensure that the noble works conducted by the trust in the past will continue as before.

Many feel that Satyajit, the only man to be very close to Sri Sathya Baba and remained by the side of the Godman since the last some years till his demise, can play a crucial role in the trust’s affairs now. However, none of the trustees are prepared to speculate about what they want Satyajit to do now. Satyajit, in the meantime, clarified that there is no controversy on any issue, and the affairs of the trust are being run smoothly.

It is to be seen as to whether the government decides to play a major role in the affairs of the trust, or think of taking over the trust activities. In that scenario, whether it can continue to carry on the worthy causes for which the trust has worked so far, and continue to win over the trust of the people in general and devotees of Sri Sathya Baba in particular, remain. The institutions being run by the trust have always been hailed for unselfish and high quality services they have been rendering, and it is to be seen as to whether they will continue to enjoy the same reputation henceforth.