The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the Lord Venkateswara temple at Tirumala, is dealing with a range of security and fraud-related concerns, including touts, fake booking websites, drones and banned wearable devices.
Officials said the temple administration has intensified action against those allegedly targeting devotees through fraudulent offers and unauthorised activities.
Touts, staff under TTD action
The TTD has registered 30 criminal cases against touts accused of approaching devotees with promises of darshan and accommodation, including VIP rooms, at high prices.
The temple administration has also taken disciplinary action against 43 employees this year for alleged violations of its code of conduct, including cheating devotees.
“The TTD has made it clear that uncompromising action will be taken against anyone involved in such activities,” an official told The Indian Express.
249 fake websites identified
Online fraud has emerged as another concern, with TTD officials identifying 249 websites allegedly using its name to advertise darshan, accommodation and other services.
“In addition to registering two criminal cases, TTD has successfully shut down all these websites with the cooperation of the relevant agencies,” a TTD Vigilance department official told The Indian Express.
The administration has advised devotees to use only the official TTD website and mobile application for bookings and avoid clicking on links shared through social media.
Officials specifically warned against a website named ‘ttddevasthanam.online’, which they said is not affiliated with TTD.
“Some people have created this website to resemble the official online services of TTD, with only minor changes in the domain name, and are trying to cheat devotees. It falsely displays information that Srivari Darshan and Seva tickets are available for August, September and October,” an official from the office of TTD Executive Officer said.
TTD has approached the domain platform seeking removal of the website, while a criminal case has been registered at Tirumala Two Town Police Station.
VIP darshan claim sparks legal action
The TTD has also initiated legal action against ‘SCP Developers’ after the company allegedly promoted plots on the Tirupati highway by promising buyers “lifetime Srivari VIP Break Darshan”.
TTD has denied any association with the company, which has removed the promotion from social media.
Security personnel are also dealing with unauthorised gadgets at the temple. Officials said 261 drones and 105 ‘Meta Smart Glasses’ have been detected and seized at the temple entrance, adding another layer to the security challenges faced by the shrine.