Fake Identities Used To Secure Tirumala Rooms For Resale; Man Held

A 32-year-old man allegedly working for a broker to secure accommodation at Tirumala using fake identities and sell the rooms to devotees at higher prices was caught at the central reception office (CRO). The incident has brought to light attempts to misuse the room allotment process for commercial gain.

The suspected operation came to light on Sunday when CRO staff noticed a man standing in the queue for accommodation despite having already secured a room. He raised suspicion by seeking another room using a different identity.

TTD vigilance and security officials took him into custody and found two Aadhaar cards bearing different identities. The man was identified as Ashiq Ali P.M., of Malappuram district in Kerala. A room registration slip, ₹800 in cash and a mobile phone were also seized from him.

During questioning, Ashiq reportedly told officials that he had been working for a broker named Ranjith and was paid ₹1,000 for every room he secured using fake identity documents. The rooms were allegedly handed over to the broker, who sold them to devotees at higher prices.

The disclosure has led the vigilance officials to investigate the possible involvement of others and how the fake documents were being used to obtain accommodation. A case was registered at the Tirumala-II town police station following a complaint by vigilance officials. Police are verifying the Aadhaar cards and investigating the matter.

TTD advised devotees to obtain rooms only through CRO counters, the official website or mobile app and not share personal details with strangers. They urged devotees to report brokers seeking money for rooms to the TTD Vigilance and Security Control Room at 9866898630 or the call centre at 155257. TTD said strict action would be taken against those cheating devotees.