Andhra govt demands detailed report on assets and structure of Sai Baba Trust

Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh government has sought a detailed report from the Sri Satya Sai Central Trust (SSSCT) on a whole range of issues, which includes finances and the organisational structures of the Trust.

In a letter addressed to its Secretary, the state government has given an time period of 10 days  for the Trust to furnish detailed information not only in respect of the Central Trust but also the institutions and the organisations affiliated  with it.

The Trust Secretary has also been directed to furnish details about the organisational set up of the SSSCT, list of its members, their addresses, background, contact numbers and“other relevant details” of its activities.

He was asked to explain the delegation of powers among the Trust members for conducting day-to-day activities and meetings.

The government also sought details of fixed assets of the Trust, major sources of funds and broad expenditure, annual accounts for the past years (up to 2010-11 financial year),covering receipts and payments, income and expenditure details, funds flow, balance sheet, returns submitted to the Reserve Bank of India and the Government of India on foreign funds and utilisation under B R Act and FEMA, returns filed to Income Tax Department under relevant sections, latest position of audit and details of auditors.

The government drew the attention of the Trust Secretary to reports in media and sentiments of devotees and ‘public feelings’ aired in the media and in the light of doubts expressed about certain aspects of the functioning of the Trust while seeking the report.

“It was essential to bring out the facts transparently to public knowledge in the light of all this,” the government letter said.

The government’s move came after the Trust came under cloud following seizure of cash at the abode of late Satya Sai Baba. Police have so far questioned two members of the Trust— R J Ratnakar, Sai Baba’s nephew, and Chennai-based industrialist V Srinivasan— as part of the investigationinto the cash seizure case.

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who had held an emergency meeting with ministers Ponnala Lakshmaiah, N Raghuveera Reddy, S Sailajanath and Chief Secretary S V Prasadlast week, decided to seek a report from the Trust. In fact, political parties in the state, including ruling Congress, have been demanding that the government immediately interfere in the Trust’s functioning.

PTI