Bengaluru: Barely days after chief minister DK Shivakumar ordered muzrai department to tighten security around temple hundis across Karnataka, the first major test of the new protocol unfolded at Bengaluru’s richest Banashankari Temple — five donation boxes were opened and counted under strict official supervision Friday.The move follows the donation theft case at Ram Temple in Ayodhya, which prompted Shivakumar to direct authorities to ensure opening and counting of hundis are carried out under webcam surveillance.Close on the heels of CM’s order, Banashankari Temple authorities, for the first time, kept devotees out of the counting process. Home guards and govt personnel, including temple staff, handled the offerings under the watch of officials assigned by the deputy commissioner.The first five hundis alone yielded more than Rs 80 lakh in cash and over 100 grams of gold, putting into perspective the enormous volume of offerings received by one of Bengaluru’s most prominent temples. The temple has 15 donation boxes in all, leaving 10 more to be counted.“Five donation boxes have been counted and over Rs 80 lakh has been collected. More than 100 grams of gold has also been received. The remaining boxes will be counted next week,” said GNR Mohan, chairperson of Banashankari Temple Management Board.He said DC’s permission has been sought for counting the remaining hundis. “With Varamahalakshmi festival and Shravan Saturdays falling next week, counting will be completed before then,” Mohan added.
