Hyderabad man booked after TTD files complaint over defamatory video

Tirupati: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has registered a police case against a Hyderabad man for allegedly distorting a devotional video and circulating it online.

The action followed the person’s alleged defamatory social media post targeting the board’s chairman and management.

Devotional reel twisted to defame TTD

According to vigilance officials, the accused Mohammad Rafiq, allegedly downloaded a devotional reel originally shared by a young woman about Srivari Annaprasadam and manipulated it to present the TTD chairman BR Naidu and temple authorities in a negative light.

The distorted video was later uploaded to Facebook, where it went viral, drawing sharp criticism from devotees and prompting the temple administration to take swift action.

Complaint filed, case registered

Acting on the issue, the Assistant Vigilance and Security Officer (AVSO) of TTD’s vigilance wing lodged a formal complaint with the Tirumala One-Town Police on Wednesday.

Following the complaint, the police registered a case and initiated an investigation. Confirming the development, Circle Inspector G Vijay Kumar said that the accused would soon be summoned for questioning as part of the inquiry.

‘Malicious attempt to tarnish temple’s image’

TTD officials condemned the act, terming it a deliberate and malicious attempt to malign the temple’s reputation and drag its management into unnecessary controversy.

They noted that such incidents were part of a larger pattern of misinformation campaigns being spread by vested interests seeking to undermine the sanctity and credibility of the world-renowned temple institution.

TTD steps up vigil on social media

In light of repeated instances of false propaganda, the TTD board recently resolved to initiate criminal proceedings against individuals spreading misleading or defamatory content.