Telangana priest arrested for growing ganja worth Rs 70 lakh inside temple: 'Hid it among marigold flowers'

Telangana temple priest arrested growing cannabis plants. (Image: @KhalsaVision_ / X)

A temple priest in Telangana has been arrested after police discovered ganja (Cannabis) plants growing inside temple premises. Officials said the illegal crop was hidden among marigold plants in the temple garden, allowing the activity to go unnoticed for a long time.

As reported by India TV, the accused, Avuti Nagaiah, 48, served as a priest at a temple in Panchagam village in Sangareddy district and was also known locally as a spiritual guide. Police said he was taken into custody on January 31 after a raid by the DTF Sangareddy team uncovered ganja plants and other materials linked to illegal drug activity.

Investigators said Nagaiah used the flower garden as a cover for the illegal cultivation. The marigold plants helped disguise both the look and smell of the cannabis plant, making it appear like routine temple gardening. Officials suspect he also used the temple location to sell the drugs discreetly.

The raid was carried out under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Medak and the District Prohibition and Excise Officer of Sangareddy. During the operation, police and excise officials uncovered a large-scale illegal ganja cultivation inside the temple premises. Items seized were valued at around Rs 70 lakh and included 685 cannabis plant, 17.741 kilograms of dry ganja, 0.897 kilograms of ganja seeds, Rs 30,000 in cash, a digital weighing machine, and a mobile phone.

A temple priest was caught growing weed inside the temple premises in Telangana.

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And these people shamelessly call us "Udta Punjab". pic.twitter.com/X8IgNYbJJ5 — S Surinder (@KhalsaVision_) February 7, 2026

Police said the accused was allegedly packaging and selling marijuana illegally while continuing his work as a priest. “How smart is he that this man used marigold flowers to hide the smell and appearance of the drugs and fooled everyone,” one social media user commented after a video of the raid went viral.

Authorities are investigating how long the illegal activity had been running and whether others were involved. Officials are also examining whether the ganja distribution extended beyond the local area.