The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the Sri Venkateswara temple, also known as Tirupati Balaji temple, has cautioned devotees not to fall for online advertisements posted by fraudsters offering hotel accommodations, arranging free darshans, or organising Sri Venkateswara Kalyanam events. Officials said they are coming across increasing incidents of devotees being deceived through fake websites in the name of TTD services.
The TTD Board said on Wednesday that it is investigating individuals and organisations indulging in such fraud, including some operating from abroad, and that it would take strict action. Officials said that TTD recently came across invitation cards with TTD logos for events that it never permitted or approved.
It also received several complaints from devotees about being cheated by persons posing as TTD employees, who promised accommodation at Tirumala and free darshan. After taking payments, they stopped responding to calls.
“Recently, an invitation card had gone viral on WhatsApp groups claiming that an organisation is conducting ‘Sri Sridevi Bhudevi Sameta Srinivasa Kalyanamahotsavam’ on September 6 in the United Kingdom. TTD clarified that no permission has been granted nor have any official orders been issued for this event. Despite this, the organisers have misused the official TTD logo on the invitation card. Such unauthorised use of TTD’s name and logo is misleading devotees and creating confusion,’’ the TTD said.
The invitation mentions the event as “free.” But, upon scanning the QR code printed on the invitation, it was found that devotees were being asked to register and make payments of £566 as “service fees.” In addition, promises of distribution of items such as TTD Kalyanam Laddu prasadam, a silver locket, Akshintalu, turmeric, kumkum, saree, mangalsutra thread, blouse piece, and a framed photograph of Sri Venkateswara were also made.
Similar events were publicised at various places in Andhra Pradesh recently.
The TTD has also warned that strict action will be taken if devotees who come for Srivari darshan are cheated. Officials said that among several complaints, there was one in which a devotee, while searching for accommodation at Tirupati or Tirumala online, came across a website. She contacted the phone number on the website, and a man named introduced himself with false information that he was from the reception office at Srinivasam Complex, the TTD’s office, which provides accommodation to devotees.
Story continues below this ad
“He charged a certain amount to provide accommodation and free darshan and promised to send the accommodation ticket in PDF format if the money was paid. After taking the money, the accused stopped responding to her phone calls and WhatsApp messages,” the TTD said.
