TTD Warns Pilgrims and Launches Drive Against Middlemen After ₹4 Lakh Darshan Scam

Overview

• TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu cautioned that brokers have been duping devotees with false promises of VIP break darshan, Arjitha Sevas and accommodation.
• Police in Tirumala registered a case after a Telangana devotee reported losing ₹4 lakh to a man who took an online payment and then switched off his phone.
• A Deccan Chronicle report identified the accused as Ashok, who allegedly posed as a TTD official and claimed links to senior authorities before absconding.
• TTD says it has identified multiple brokers and has initiated legal action, with a special enforcement drive underway to deter such scams.
• Devotees have been asked to book only via the official TTD website or mobile app using Aadhaar and to report suspicious approaches to TTD Vigilance (0877-2263828) or the toll-free line 155257.