MP Gurumoorthy Raises Concern Over Security Lapses In AP Temples; Writes To Amit Shah
MP Gurumoorthy expressed concern over administrative failures and lapses in temples in AP
Hyderabad: Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumoorthy raised serious concerns over the repeated administrative failures and security lapses at sacred temples including Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh and wrote a letter to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah in this regard.
In the letter addressed to Amit Shah, Gurumoorthy said he was deeply anguished concerned over a series of alarming administrative failures, security breaches, and systemic lapses at most revered temples in Andhra Pradesh, which have resulted in tragic loss of lives, desecration of sacred traditions and erosion of public trust.
On April 30, 2025, during the auspicious Chandanotsavam festival at the famous Simhachalam temple in Visakhapatnam, a newly constructed wall made of flyash bricks, tragically claimed the lives of seven innocent devotees and injured several others. “It is deeply distressing to note that the wall was reportedly built without putting up columns and using substandard materials, reflecting gross negligence in supervision and crowd management, leading to irreparable loss,” he explained.
Similarly, at Sri Kurmanatha Swamy Temple in Srikurmam, the mysterious deaths of several rare and sacred Indian star tortoises have caused widespread dismay among devotees and conservationists alike. Reports indicate poor maintenance, suspicious fire incidents within the temple premises, and the unlawful cremation of these sacred creatures without mandatory post-mortem examinations, violating wildlife protection laws and traditional practices.
One of the major concerns is the continued breakdown of security at Tirumala, the most sacred abode of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy. Despite repeated warnings and representations following incidents such as the tragic stampede on January 8, 2025, no substantial corrective measures have been implemented by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) administration.
Recent breaches including instances where devotees reached the temple's main entrance wearing footwear despite passing through three layers of security-highlight serious failures in protocol, surveillance, and coordination among security agencies.
Moreover, it was reported earlier in 2025 that over 100 cows had died at TTD Goshala, with claims of neglect, mismanagement, poor quality of feed, and inadequate veterinary care, further indicating systemic collapse within temple management.
The absence of a dedicated security head and the disjointed functioning of multiple-agencies have compromised the safety of pilgrims and the sanctity of these revered temples. “In view of the grave incidents, I request your kind intervention to direct the State concerned and Central authorities to initiate a detailed and impartial inquiry into these repeated administrative and security failures. I suggest your esteemed office will take necessary steps to ensure accountability, strengthen governance, and restore the faith of millions of devotees who revere these sacred institutions,” Gurumoorthy said.