tirupati: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked the state government Andhra Pradesh to conduct a duplicate security error action at the Tirumala Temple after complained by Dr. Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumurthy. The MHA has forwarded the matter to the state’s chief secretary in response to the letter from the MP, urging the government to review the issue and respond accordingly.
Dr. Gurumurthy has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trade Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Home Secretary, who have repeatedly security breaches against Tirumala and has accused Tirumala of failures in order to implement adequate security measures. He cites several incidents to support his claim.
Among the incidents mentioned are stampedements before Vaikunta Ekadasi on January 8, resulting in the death and injury of more than 50 devotees. Members of Congress claimed that despite the seriousness of the incident, TTD did not take necessary corrective measures. He also pointed out that there is a lack of dedicated security leaders and that insufficient coordination among multiple agencies is a factor.
In another incident on January 20, devotees reportedly passed the Alipiri security checkpoint through non-vegetarian food and were later consumed in Tirumala, violating the religious norms of the Temple Town.
In March, unauthorized vendors allegedly delivered alcohol and Ganja in Tirumala after bypassing the same checkpoint.
Dr. Gurumurthy also attracted attention to the incident at the Papavinasanam dam, where officials from the forest department were canoeed in the sacred water without notifying the TTD. On March 31, a mentally unstable man reportedly bypassed the safety of Alipiri Check Point and arrived at Tirumala by motorcycle without being intercepted.
Members of Congress said the incidents reflect the failure of TTD to establish a structured security system in Tirumala and require central intervention to improve security measures. The MHA acknowledged these issues and clarified the matter within the jurisdiction of the state and directed the state government to take necessary steps.
