Devotee From Hyd Loses ₹90,000 In VIP Darshan Ticket Fraud
The TTD noted that it continues to receive similar complaints from devotees. It urged devotees to book tickets only through its official website, mobile app or ticket-issuing counters with Aadhaar authentication, and not to approach brokers or middlemen for darshan or accommodation at Tirumala.
TIRUPATI: A devotee from Hyderabad was duped of ₹90,000 by two fraudsters who promised him VIP break darshan tickets at Tirumala. According to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials, the victim, Y. Vishwanath, lodged a complaint with the vigilance wing, stating that two persons, Vanam Nataraj Narendra Kumar and K.S. Nataraj Sharma, collected the money from him on the promise of arranging VIP tickets for 12 members on August 16. Despite repeated reminders, the tickets were neither issued nor the money returned.
After a probe, the vigilance wing found that the accused have been involved in similar fraudulent activities targeting devotees in Hyderabad and surrounding areas. Nearly 12 police cases have already been registered against them. The TTD clarified that the two accused have no connection with the institution and are not its employees.
Based on the findings, the vigilance wing lodged a complaint with the local police for further investigation.
The TTD noted that it continues to receive similar complaints from devotees. It urged devotees to book tickets only through its official website, mobile app or ticket-issuing counters with Aadhaar authentication, and not to approach brokers or middlemen for darshan or accommodation at Tirumala.
For assistance, devotees can call helpline 155257 and report suspected fraud to TTD vigilance on 0877-2263828, it said.