Hindu temple in Ga. files for bankruptcy

ATLANTA, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- A Hindu temple led by the controversial Annamalai Annamalai in the Atlanta area has filed for bankruptcy, staving off a possible foreclosure auction.

The Hindu Temple of Georgia in Norcross filed court papers Monday, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. A spokesman, Greg Brown, said the temple sought Chapter 11 protection.

The temple's financial problems began last year when Annamalai, who also uses the name Dr. Commander Selvam, was charged with credit card misuse and practicing medicine without a license. The chief priest was charged with making false statements to police.

The Gwinnett County prosecutor dropped the charges against Annamalai this summer for lack of evidence in the credit card case. Prosecutors said Georgia law on medical licensing includes a religious exception.

Annamalai told the Journal-Constitution in July that the number of visitors to the temple had slowed to a trickle.

Brown said the temple was notified it was in default on a $2.3 million loan secured by the $5 million property.