Lokayukta asks govt not to extend help to fish prasadam event

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Lokayukta on Monday observed that the state government should not extend any help for the distribution of fish prasadam by Bathini family which distributes it every year on the occasion of Mrigasira Karthe that heralds the monsoon. This year the event is slated for June 8 and 9 at Exhibition Grounds in Nampally.

The Lokayukta said since the scientific value of the fish prasadam was yet to be proved the government should not make any arrangements for its distribution and directed Hyderabad police commissioner and the Exhibition Society secretary to appear before it on Tuesday.

The Lokayukta observation comes in the wake of a petition filed by AP Balala Hakkula Sangham president Achyuta Rao who questioned the government's action in making all arrangements for the gathering of people, supply of fish, security arrangements, water, sanitation and other facilities.

Following an earlier direction by the Lokayukta, Ranga Reddy District Collector informed in his report that five acres of government land allotted to the family at Katedan a few years ago to grow herbs, which are said to be used in the fish prasadam, would be taken back.

Meanwhile, the Bathini brothers have said they would go ahead with the distribution of fish prasadam as per schedule.