TTD warns of strict action against those cheating devotees
Police registered a case and are investigating
TIRUMALA, AUGUST 17, 2026: The TTD Vigilance has foiled an attempt by a broker gang that was obtaining rooms at the CRO office in Tirumala using fake identity documents in the names of others and selling them to devotees at inflated prices.
On August 16, CRO office staff noticed a person who had already secured a room standing in the queue again under another identity. He was immediately apprehended. During enquiry, he was identified as Ashiq Ali P.M. (32) of Malappuram district, Kerala. Two fake Aadhaar cards, a room registration slip, Rs. 800 in cash, and a mobile phone were seized from him.
During interrogation, Ashiq Ali reportedly stated that he had been engaged by a broker named Ranjith and was being paid Rs. 1,000 per room. He said his role was to obtain rooms using fake identity documents and hand them over to the broker, who would then sell them to devotees at higher prices.
Investigation is in progress to identify other members of the gang.
Based on the complaint lodged by the TTD Vigilance Department, a case has been registered at the Tirumala-2 Town Police Station.
The Police are investigating the case on technical grounds and are also verifying the authenticity of the fake Aadhaar cards.
Devotees are advised that accommodation in Tirumala is meant exclusively for devotees. They should not approach brokers, nor share Aadhaar details, photographs, phone numbers, or other personal information with strangers.
TTD reiterated that Accommodation should be obtained only through the CRO counters, the official TTD website or the mobile app.
If any broker approaches devotees offering rooms in exchange for money, or if any suspicious activity is observed, they are requested to immediately inform the TTD Vigilance & Security Control Room: 9866898630 or the TTD Call Centre: 155257.
TTD has stated that strict legal action will be taken against brokers cheating devotees and all those supporting such activities.
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