Octopus Conducts Mock Drill in Tirumala Following Pahalgam Terror Attack
The Alipiri checkpoint and several locations along the second ghat road are witnessing rigorous screening operations by security personnel, including checks of APSRTC buses, and private vehicles
Tirupati: Security has been tightened in Tirumala in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attack in Kashmir, with implementation of enhanced surveillance and stringent inspections across the hill town.
The Alipiri checkpoint and several locations along the second ghat road are witnessing rigorous screening operations by security personnel, including checks of APSRTC buses, and private vehicles.
Security personnel are conducting thorough searches of all vehicles, luggage and individuals entering Tirumala. At the Alipiri checkpoint, each pilgrim is being screened before being allowed to proceed further. TTD Vigilance and Security teams are also carrying out surprise inspections at various points on the ghat road and within Tirumala.
A senior TTD official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We have received alerts from central intelligence agencies. In response, we have heightened security across all access points to Tirumala. These measures will remain in place as long as the threat perception continues. We request devotees to cooperate with security personnel and ensure a safe pilgrimage experience.”
Meanwhile, security has also been reinforced around the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple itself, with the organisation for counter terrorist operations (Octopus) commandos deployed at critical points.
An octopus conducted a mock drill at Sudarshan Choultry, a pilgrim accommodation complex in Tirumala. The location was selected due to its proximity to the central reception office, which sees round-the-clock activity with hundreds of pilgrims passing through. The mock exercise aimed to assess the readiness of the commando teams, trained in anti-terror operations.
The exercise also involved coordinated participation from local police, TTD Vigilance, fire and rescue services, medical teams and revenue staff. Bomb disposal units and sniffer dog squads were deployed as part of the exercise to simulate a comprehensive response to a potential security threat.