Tirumala Temple Intensifies Crackdown on Touts, Fake Websites, and Tech Misuse

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the Lord Venkateswara temple at Tirumala, has ramped up its efforts to tackle a range of security and cheating threats. These include touts, corrupt staff, fake websites, and the use of banned gadgets such as drones and Meta smart glasses.

Officials said that 30 criminal cases have been filed against touts who allegedly deceive devotees with promises of darshan or VIP accommodation at inflated rates. In addition, disciplinary action has been taken against 43 employees this year for violating the code of conduct, including cheating pilgrims.

On the digital front, the TTD has identified 249 fake websites that used misleading advertisements and false claims about darshan and room bookings. Two criminal cases have been registered, and the websites have been taken down with the help of relevant agencies. The TTD has urged devotees to use only its official website and mobile app for bookings and to avoid clicking on links shared on social media.

A particular fake site, 'ttddevasthanam.online', has been flagged as fraudulent. It mimics the official TTD portal with minor domain changes and falsely shows availability of Srivari Darshan and seva tickets for August, September, and October. A complaint has been lodged with the domain platform, and a case has been registered at Tirumala Two Town Police Station.

In a separate incident, the TTD filed a police complaint against 'SCP Developers', a company that promoted plots on the Tirupati highway by offering 'lifetime Srivari VIP Break Darshan' to buyers. The TTD clarified it had no association with the firm, which has since removed its promotional content.

On the technology front, officials said 261 drones and 105 Meta Smart Glasses have been detected and seized at the temple entrance, as part of efforts to prevent unauthorised recording and surveillance.