Hyderabad: Woman booked for cheating devotees with fake TTD Srivari Seva tickets
Victims claim that more than 100 devotees were cheated in a similar manner using fake TTD tickets
By - Newsmeter Network
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Hyderabad: Police have launched an investigation after a woman allegedly sold fake tickets to 100 devotees in the name of Srivari Seva and Sarva Darshan at Lord Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirumla during Vaikuntha Ekadashi season.
The incident came to light after the victims approached the Mahankali Police Station, prompting the police to register a case.
Fraud in the name of temple service
According to the victims and police officials, the accused woman, identified as Mamatha, a resident of Bhoiguda in Ranigunj, would approach devotees claiming that she regularly performed services at various temples.
Gaining their trust, she promised to arrange Srivari Seva and darshan at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). She allegedly collected Rs 3,000 per person for Srivari Seva and an additional Rs 1,500 towards train tickets, assuring confirmed darshan.
Devotees stranded for four days
After collecting money, Mamatha reportedly took a group of women devotees to Tirumala. However, instead of arranging a darshan, she allegedly kept them waiting for four days, repeatedly postponing the visit. Later, she brought them back, claiming that the tickets had been cancelled due to the Vaikuntha Ekadashi rush.
Fake tickets sent ahead of darshan
Undeterred, the accused allegedly targeted another group of devotees, promising Sarva Darshan on Vaikuntha Ekadashi. She sent them tickets dated December 30, claiming darshan had been confirmed.
However, when devotees reached Tirumala, officials informed them that the tickets were fake. Left with no option, they offered prayers from outside the temple and returned disappointed.
Over 100 devotees allegedly cheated
Victims claim that more than 100 devotees were cheated in a similar manner using fake TTD tickets. The fraud came to public notice after Srinivas, a resident of Ranigunj, filed a formal complaint with the Mahankali police.
Police investigation underway
Police have registered a case and launched a detailed investigation to trace the source of the fake tickets, identify the printer, and determine whether a larger racket is involved. Further action will be taken based on the findings, officials said.
Police have also cautioned devotees to book darshan and Srivari Seva tickets only through official TTD channels and not to rely on intermediaries.
