TTD suspends staff after footwear breach at Tirumala
13 April 2025 11:12 AM IST13 April 2025 11:12 AM IST
The breach was only detected at the Mahadwaram, where TTD staff finally noticed the slippers and intervened.
The breach was only detected at the Mahadwaram, where TTD staff finally noticed the slippers and intervened.
Tirupati: A security lapse at the Tirumala temple has led to the suspension of multiple TTD employees and security staff, after two devotees reached the Mahadwaram — the main entrance of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple — wearing white disposable slippers made of cloth. The duo reportedly passed undetected through multiple security checkpoints inside the Vaikuntham Queue Complex, triggering serious concerns over the effectiveness of screening protocols.
The incident took place on Saturday, when the two individuals entered the queue line and progressed toward the main temple without being stopped despite wearing footwear — an act strictly prohibited within the temple premises. The breach was only detected at the Mahadwaram, where TTD staff finally noticed the slippers and intervened. The devotees reportedly removed the slippers at that point and proceeded for darshan.
According to temple officials, the devotees had passed through the Footpath Hall and the Down Scanning Point, both of which are key points for screening pilgrims. Despite multiple layers of security checks, including baggage and physical screening for prohibited items such as mobile phones, electronic gadgets, and footwear, the slippers went unnoticed by the personnel on duty.
Following a preliminary inquiry, the TTD administration, under the direction of Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao, suspended two TTD staff members — Chakrapani, Senior Assistant, and Vasu, Junior Assistant — along with five members of the TTD’s security force - D. Balakrishna, Vasumati, T. Rajesh Kumar, K. Venkatesh, and M. Babu.
The TTD also forwarded a formal proposal to the Director General of the SPF, requesting suspension of six SPF personnel for dereliction of duty. The SPF personnel identified include C. Ramanaiah, B. Neela Babu, DSK. Prasanna, Ch. Satya Narayana, Poli Naidu, and S. Srikanth.
The breach has drawn public ire, with many devotees questioning how such an incident could occur inside one of the most closely monitored religious sites in the country. Former TTD Chairman and YSR Congress spokesperson Bhumana Karunakar Reddy had earlier slammed the TTD for failing in its basic duty to protect the sanctity of the temple, demanding accountability and immediate action.
Following a preliminary inquiry, the TTD administration, under the direction of Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao, suspended two TTD staff members — Chakrapani, Senior Assistant, and Vasu, Junior Assistant — along with five members of the TTD’s security force - D. Balakrishna, Vasumati, T. Rajesh Kumar, K. Venkatesh, and M. Babu.
The TTD also forwarded a formal proposal to the Director General of the SPF, requesting suspension of six SPF personnel for dereliction of duty. The SPF personnel identified include C. Ramanaiah, B. Neela Babu, DSK. Prasanna, Ch. Satya Narayana, Poli Naidu, and S. Srikanth.
The breach has drawn public ire, with many devotees questioning how such an incident could occur inside one of the most closely monitored religious sites in the country. Former TTD Chairman and YSR Congress spokesperson Bhumana Karunakar Reddy had earlier slammed the TTD for failing in its basic duty to protect the sanctity of the temple, demanding accountability and immediate action.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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