TIRUPATI: The police are taking tough steps against those selling fake Tirumala temple darshan tickets but the trade refuses to die out.
On Monday, the TTD vigilance and security wing nabbed a gang of seven members selling fake Rs 300 special entry darshan tickets. In August last, the AP Vigilance and Enforcement department had busted a racket selling fake SED tickets and Kalyanotsavam tickets.
More than 40 touts were arrested in the last six months for selling fake tickets at higher prices. Besides invoking te PD Act, the police is charging repeat offenders under IPC Section 75 that provides enhancement of punishment for certain offences after a previous conviction.
“We opened suspect and history sheets against many touts, brokers and middlemen and a strict vigil has been kept on their movements. We invoke PD Act and Sec. 75 on repeat offenders. Strict legal action would be taken against those who cheat the devotee,” ASP D. Muni Ramaiah told Deccan Chronicle
Appealing to the devotees not to fall prey to touts or middlemen, Ramaiah said they should book their darshan tickets only on the TTD website.
