The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Accused of sexually harassing devotee

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 27, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Accused of sexually harassing devotee

By Our Staff Reporter

NIZAMABAD, MARCH 26. Lakshmipathi, a veda pandit at the Gnana Saraswathi temple at Basar on the bank of the Godavari, near here, has been placed under suspension on the charge of sexually harassing a female devotee who often visits the temple.

Based on a complaint lodged by the victim with the temple Executive Officer, Sujatha, that the veda pandit had been harassing her for the past eight months the EO immediately suspended the accused pending enquiry.

SMS messages

The victim in her complaint recently said that Lakshmipathi used to send SMS messages frequently to her mobile phone. Though this was taken to the notice of the temple authorities they tried to placate her instead of taking action against Lakshmipathi, she alleged. The woman stayed for a few days at the temple recently in connection with the Vasantha Panchami. Then too, as usual the accused allegedly harassed her. A few days later, he again sent an SMS message full of obscenity.

The EO said as soon as the complaint was received the veda pandit was suspended and the Endowment Commissioner, I. Venkateswarlu, informed of the same.

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Andhra Pradesh