TTD official warns against circulating ‘misleading' video clips on social media

The Hindu

01-06-2025

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary on Saturday cautioned against individuals attempting to provoke devotees or record misleading videos within the darshan queue lines. He warned of strict legal action against such unauthorised persons who attempt to disrupt the sanctity of the darshan process.
The warning comes against the backdrop of an incident that took place late on Friday night when a few devotees who grew restive in the darshan lines allegedly resorted to sloganeering against the TTD. A video clip about the incident went viral on social media platforms, much to the embarrassment of the officials.
Taking strong exception to the circulation of the video clip, Mr. Chowdary warned the social media users to refrain from the actions and speeches that would hurt the sentiments of the devotees.
Addressing the media after inspecting the darshan lines and supervising the distribution of food and beverages to the pilgrims waiting in the darshan lines that extended to several kilometres outside the Vaikuntam Complex, he said that a devotee who reportedly did not receive free food was responsible for the 'ruckus'.
He said that the devotee was not only unwell but also unaware of the crowd control measures in place by the TTD. 'Later, the devotee regretted his action and apologised for his unwanted behavior,' Mr. Chowdary said.
Underlining the commitment of the TTD workforce, which is working tirelessly round-the-clock to ensure a hassle-free darshan to the pilgrims, he said that the pilgrims will always remain a priority for the TTD.
He reiterated that it was to their advantage that the management had slashed the time provided for VIPs and the much privileged Srivani ticket holders.