YSRCP MP Gurumoorthy flags security concerns at Tirumala, asks for PM Modi to intervene

Tirupati: YSRCP MP from Tirupati constituency, Maddila Gurumoorthy, wrote to the Central government about alleged security lapses on Tirumala Hill in 2025 that resulted in incidents such as the fatal stampede on January 8.

In a letter to prime minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday, the MP raised concerns regarding recurring security lapses at Tirumala, which have not only ‘caused distress among devotees but have also severely compromised the sanctity of Lord Venkateswara Swamy’s sacred abode.’

‘Absence of a dedicated security head’

He alleged that the failure of the present Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) administration, appointed by the TDP government, to implement robust security measures has led to grave consequences, endangering devotees and the overall security framework of the pilgrimage site.

In the letter, the MP mentioned the stampede that occurred on January 8 in Tirupati, ahead of Vaikunta Ekadasi, that resulted in the loss of six lives and left 50 devotees injured.

“The absence of a dedicated security head has significantly undermined security effectiveness, while poor coordination among multiple agencies for Tirumala’s security has exacerbated the issue. Recent incidents at Alipiri and Tirumala highlighted the urgent need for immediate and comprehensive action,” he mentioned in the letter.

Incidents highlighted by the MP include:

1. Annadanam queue stampede-like situation: A stampede occurred due to inadequate crowd control measures in the Annadanam queue, endangering countless devotees. The incident raises serious concerns regarding the present security preparedness at TTD.

2. January 20 incident: A group of devotees managed to pass through the high-security zone at Alipiri with non-vegetarian food, including ‘egg biryanis,’ which were later consumed at Tirumala, violating the sanctity of the temple town.

3. Unlawful entry with prohibited items: In March, back-to-back instances were reported where unauthorised hawkers sneaked through the Alipiri checkpoint carrying prohibited substances such as alcohol and ganja. These individuals consumed the contraband at Tirumala, creating disturbances and causing distress among devotees.

4. Papavinasanam Dam incident: In the final week of March, forest department officials were found canoeing in the sacred Papavinasanam dam waters without the knowledge of TTD authorities. Initially perceived as a tourism-related activity, it was later clarified that the canoeing was conducted to monitor illegal activities in the Seshachalam biosphere. However, what remains most concerning is that the canoes were transported to Tirumala via the Alipiri checkpoint, and the TTD sought clarification only after the matter became controversial. This further highlighted the lack of coordination among security agencies.

5. March 31 security breach: On March 31, a mentally unstable person bypassed the Alipiri checkpoint on his motorbike and was only intercepted after reaching Tirumala, having travelled alone on the ghat road without intervention. The failure of the present TTD administration to establish a structured and well-coordinated security framework is placing millions of devotees at risk.

The MP has requested higher officials to intervene and initiate immediate corrective measures to enhance the security apparatus at Tirumala.