AP Govt to observe functioning of Sai Trust

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The Andhra Pradesh government has reportedly decided to observe the functioning of the Satya Sai Central Trust in the post-Baba era without any intervention, at least for now.

Highly-placed sources said Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan and Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, who held informal talks with some key members of the Trust during their visit here for the Baba's final rites, reportedly assured them that the government would not interfere with the Trust's activities as long as nothing went amiss.

"The government will be compelled to act if anything goes wrong in the Trust's affairs," the Chief Minister reportedly told the Trust members.

Informed sources said both former Chief Justice of India P.N. Bhagwati and auditor Indulal Shah have shown disinterest in heading the Trust, which is said to command a wealth to the tune of at least Rs. 40,000 crore While Baba's nephew Ratnakar is said to be a front- runner for the Trust head's post, Chennai-based Venu Srinivasan is also in contention. "For now, Trust secretary K. Chakravarthi will continue to lead the operations.

A formal meeting of the Trustees and the Council of Management is expected to take place after completion of 11-day rituals of the Baba wherein further course of action will be decided," the sources said.

Meanwhile, police sources said a security cover is being extended to important members of the Trust in view of a threat perception. "We have not received any formal complaint from any member of the Trust or the Baba's family or a request for provision of security.

"But we are extending security as a general measure and because of presence of a large crowd of several lakh people," Rayalaseema region Inspector General of Police Santosh Mehra said today.