The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has initiated a formal investigation following the alarming discovery of empty liquor bottles at a secluded spot near the sacred hills of Tirumala. The incident, which came to light on Sunday, has raised serious concerns about security breaches at one of India's most revered pilgrimage sites.
Discovery Near Outer Ring Road Prompts Swift Action
According to officials from the temple trust, the discarded bottles were found hidden in the bushes close to Balaji Nagar, situated along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) at Tirumala. The immediate finding of these prohibited items in an area where alcohol, tobacco, and non-vegetarian food are strictly banned has triggered a major internal probe.
The TTD, in an official press release, stated that they are meticulously examining available CCTV footage from the vicinity. The primary objective is to identify the individuals who consumed the alcohol and irresponsibly abandoned the evidence. Furthermore, the trust has made it clear that appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken against personnel responsible for the security lapses that allowed the liquor bottles to reach the prohibited zone in the first place.
Former Chairman Slams Recurring Security Failures
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from former TTD chairman, Bhumana Karunakar Reddy. He expressed deep concern over what he described as "back-to-back security lapses" involving the Tirupati trust. Reddy lamented that the discovery of a large number of empty bottles once again exposes the serious vulnerabilities in the security apparatus meant to protect the sanctity of Tirumala.
Reddy emphasized that this was not an isolated event. He recalled numerous instances over the past year where inebriated individuals have consumed alcohol within the sacred precincts and created disturbances. His statement underscores a pattern of breaches that threaten the spiritual atmosphere of the age-old shrine.
Demand for Stringent Measures to Uphold Sanctity
In light of this repeated issue, the former TTD chief has made a strong appeal to both the state government and the current TTD administration. He has demanded the implementation of more rigorous and foolproof security measures to completely prevent the smuggling of banned substances like alcohol and tobacco into Tirumala.
The core of the demand is the urgent need to safeguard the purity and devotional sanctity of the shrine, which attracts millions of devotees annually. The trust's probe and the subsequent public outcry highlight the ongoing challenge of enforcing strict codes of conduct in vast and crowded pilgrimage centers.
The outcome of the CCTV review and the nature of the disciplinary action promised by TTD are now eagerly awaited by devotees and stakeholders alike, who hope for a permanent solution to this recurring problem.
