‘Liquor bottles at Tirumala hills expose collapse of vigilance’: Former TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy

TIRUPATI: Former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy has expressed serious concern and anger over the discovery of several empty liquor bottles on Tirumala hills, questioning whether the vigilance and security system of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is functioning at all.

He alleged that the bottles were found in an open area near Kaustubham Rest House, very close to the police guest house, raising alarming questions about what is happening atop the sacred hill and deeply disturbing devotees across the world.

Bhumana released a video to the media, sharply criticising the TTD vigilance apparatus and asking how liquor bottles could reach Tirumala, bypassing multiple layers of surveillance. He questioned who would dare to bring alcohol onto the hill, insinuating that only the “private army” of TTD chairman B R Naidu could have such audacity.

Another disturbing incident has taken place at Tirumala after the coalition government came to power. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) vigilance and security system has completely gone off track. Recently, liquor bottles were found on the sacred Tirumala hill, hurting the… pic.twitter.com/SoGQQNFyPt

— YSR Congress Party (@YSRCParty) January 4, 2026

He alleged that incidents like liquor consumption, drunken misbehaviour, and even people consuming non-vegetarian food on the hill have been exposed earlier, but not a single case has been properly investigated or punished, which is why such incidents keep recurring.

He criticised the TTD administration for routinely issuing perfunctory statements through the Chief PRO to cover up serious lapses, calling it shameful that the Chief Vigilance Officer has remained silent on such grave matters. Bhumana said the coalition government, which came to power claiming it would protect Hindu dharma, is instead eroding the sanctity of Tirumala day by day.

He accused chairman B R Naidu of behaving in a manner that insults Hindu faith, alleging that the board is more focused on catering to VVIPs than safeguarding the interests and sentiments of ordinary devotees. Bhumana further alleged that Tirumala has been effectively controlled by the chairman’s agents, with devotees exploited through the sale of darshan tickets.

He said devotees worldwide are deeply concerned about the deterioration of sanctity under the present administration and urged the government to take this issue seriously and act decisively to restore the holiness and trust associated with Tirumala. (ANI)