Man Booked for Cheating 60 Devotees of Rs 4.22 Lakh on Promise of Tirumala Darshan, Accommodation
Tirupati, June 22 (TNT): Tirumala Two Town Police have registered a case against a man for allegedly cheating around 60 devotees from Guntur district of Rs 4.22 lakh by promising to arrange Suprabhata Seva tickets and accommodation in Tirumala through TTD employees’ quota.
Police said the case was registered against Nimmala Srinivas based on a complaint lodged by Gopu Srinivasa Reddy under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to the complaint, the accused claimed to have close contacts with employees of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and assured devotees that he could secure Suprabhata Seva darshan tickets and accommodation.
The accused allegedly collected Rs 3.60 lakh towards darshan tickets for 60 devotees and Rs 62,000 for 12 accommodation rooms, taking the total amount to Rs 4.22 lakh.
The payments were reportedly made through bank transfers and digital payment platforms.
Police said the accused informed the devotees that arrangements had been made for darshan on June 22 and asked them to reach Tirupati and Tirumala. However, after initial communication, he allegedly switched off his mobile phone.
The recommendation letters provided by the accused were later found to be forged when verified by TTD officials. Following the advice of TTD Vigilance officials, the victims lodged a complaint with the Tirumala Two Town Police.
A case has been registered and investigation is underway. Special teams have been formed to trace and apprehend the accused.
Meanwhile, Tirupati District Superintendent of Police L. Subbarayudu cautioned devotees against fraudsters offering darshan tickets, special services or accommodation in exchange for money and advised them to use only official booking channels.
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