MHA Directs State to Act on Tirumala Security Lapses After MP’s Complaint
23 April 2025 11:35 PM IST23 April 2025 11:35 PM IST
The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed the Andhra Pradesh government to act on repeated security lapses at Tirumala temple, following a complaint by Tirupati MP Dr Maddila Gurumurthy
Centre urges Andhra Pradesh to tighten security at Tirumala (File Photo)
TIRUPATI: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked the state government of Andhra Pradesh to take appropriate action on recurring security lapses at the Tirumala temple, following a complaint by Tirupati MP Dr Maddila Gurumurthy. The MHA, in response to the MP’s letter, has forwarded the matter to the state’s Chief Secretary, urging the government to examine the issue and respond accordingly.
Dr Gurumurthy had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and the home secretary, raising concerns about repeated security breaches at Tirumala and alleging failures by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) administration to implement adequate safety measures. He cited several incidents to support his claims.
Among the incidents mentioned was the January 8 stampede ahead of Vaikunta Ekadasi, which resulted in six deaths and injuries to over 50 devotees. The MP alleged that despite the seriousness of the incident, the TTD had not undertaken necessary corrective actions. He also noted the absence of a dedicated security head and inadequate coordination among multiple agencies as contributing factors.
In another incident on January 20, devotees reportedly passed through the Alipiri security checkpoint with non-vegetarian food, which was later consumed at Tirumala, violating the temple town’s religious norms.
In March, unauthorised hawkers allegedly transported and consumed alcohol and ganja at Tirumala after bypassing the same checkpoint.
Dr Gurumurthy also raised a concern over an incident at Papavinasanam Dam, where forest department officials were seen canoeing in the sacred waters without informing the TTD. On March 31, a mentally unstable man reportedly bypassed security at Alipiri check point and reached Tirumala on a motorbike without being intercepted.
The MP stated that these incidents reflect TTD’s failure to establish a structured security system at Tirumala and requested Central intervention to improve safety measures. The MHA has acknowledged the concerns and clarified that the matter lies within the state’s jurisdiction and directed the state government to take necessary steps.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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