TTD Files Complaint Over Birthday Celebration Inside Temple
TTD has also initiated departmental action against the temple staff on duty for allegedly failing to prevent the violations
TIRUPATI: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has lodged a police complaint after five persons allegedly violated temple rules during a birthday celebration inside the Sri Veda Narayanaswamy Temple at Nagalapuram in Tirupati district.
According to TTD officials, a local resident, Nelson Mandela, and four of his friends celebrated a birthday inside the temple premises by throwing currency notes, an act that violates temple norms. The group also allegedly carried mobile phones into the temple despite the ban, recorded videos of the celebration and later shared them on social media.
Following the incident, TTD Vigilance officials lodged a complaint with the police, who registered cases against all five persons.
TTD has also initiated departmental action against the temple staff on duty for allegedly failing to prevent the violations.
The incident drew criticism after reports claimed that Nelson Mandela is associated with the Telugu Desam Party and had served as a committee member of the Sri Pallikondeswara Swamy Devasthanam at Suruttupalli.
Amid the controversy, Nelson Mandela released a selfie video apologising for the incident and expressing regret over his actions.
