Tirupati Devasthanam Appeals to Devotees: Beware of Fake VIP Darshan Scams

The world-renowned Tirupati Ezhumalaiyan Temple, visited by thousands of devotees daily, has issued an urgent warning to its devotees to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes involving fake VIP darshan tickets. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the trust managing the temple, has released a press statement highlighting a recent scam that defrauded a Hyderabad family and others, emphasizing the need for vigilance when booking darshan or accommodation. This alert comes in response to a growing number of complaints about fake temple websites and middlemen exploiting devotees’ trust.

Details of the Recent VIP Darshan Scam

In August 2024, a devotee named Y. Vishwanath from Hyderabad lodged a complaint with TTD’s Vigilance and Security Department, reporting that two individuals, Nataraj Narendra Kumar and Nataraj Sharma, collected Rs. 90,000 from his family by promising to arrange VIP break darshan tickets for 12 members at the Tirupati Ezhumalaiyan Temple. Despite repeated follow-ups, the accused neither provided the promised tickets nor refunded the money, offering various excuses instead. The incident has shed light on a broader pattern of deceit targeting unsuspecting devotees seeking privileged access to the temple.

Following the complaint, TTD’s vigilance team investigated and confirmed that Nataraj Narendra Kumar and Nataraj Sharma are not affiliated with the Tirupati Devasthanam in any capacity. Further probes revealed that the duo had cheated more than 15 devotees in Hyderabad and surrounding areas using similar tactics. As a result, multiple police cases—around 12—have been registered against them, and legal action is underway to curb such fraudulent activities.

TTD’s Efforts to Protect Devotees

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is committed to ensuring a seamless and spiritually fulfilling experience for its devotees. The temple administration provides comprehensive facilities, including three meals a day, drinking water, and sanitation services, to accommodate the thousands who endure long queues for darshan. However, the rise of fake VIP darshan scams has prompted TTD to intensify its efforts to educate devotees about safe booking practices. The temple trust has repeatedly urged pilgrims to book darshan and accommodation exclusively through the official TTD website or the TTD mobile app, using verified Aadhaar details.

To combat the proliferation of fake temple websites, TTD has launched awareness campaigns across various media platforms, warning devotees against trusting unauthorized websites or middlemen promising expedited darshan or accommodation. The trust has also provided a toll-free number, 155257, for devotees to seek information or report suspicious activities. Additionally, TTD’s Vigilance and Security Department is available round-the-clock at 0877-2263828 to address concerns related to fraudulent schemes.

The Broader Issue of Fake Temple Websites

The issue of fake VIP darshan scams is not new to Tirupati. In 2023, TTD successfully shut down 41 fraudulent websites that mimicked the official portal, deceiving devotees into paying for non-existent tickets. These fake websites, often designed to look identical to the official TTD site, exploit the high demand for darshan tickets, which are typically exhausted within hours of release. Police investigations have pointed to organized gangs orchestrating these multi-crore scams, with victims primarily from central and northern India.

One notable case involved a Pune-based devotee who paid Rs. 4,000 for a special entry darshan ticket through a fake website, only to discover upon arrival at Tirumala that the invoice was invalid. Such incidents highlight the sophistication of these scams, which often use search engine optimization techniques to rank high on Google, misleading devotees. TTD has collaborated with authorities to shut down these fraudulent platforms and apps, but new ones continue to emerge.

How Devotees Can Stay Safe

To protect themselves from fake VIP darshan scams, devotees are strongly advised to verify the authenticity of any website or agent before making payments. The only legitimate platforms for booking darshan or accommodation are the official TTD website and the TTD mobile app. Devotees should ensure that the website URL matches exactly and avoid clicking on links shared through WhatsApp groups or unverified sources. For those seeking VIP break darshan, TTD offers a legitimate option through the SriVani Trust, where a Rs. 10,000 donation and a Rs. 500 ticket fee grant access, but this must also be booked through official channels.

Devotees are also encouraged to report any suspicious activity to TTD’s vigilance team immediately. By staying informed and cautious, pilgrims can ensure a safe and fulfilling visit to the Tirupati Ezhumalaiyan Temple without falling prey to fraudsters. The temple administration remains committed to cracking down on such scams and ensuring that devotees can focus on their spiritual journey without fear of exploitation.

As the Tirupati Devasthanam continues its fight against fake temple websites and middlemen, devotees are urged to heed this warning and rely solely on official TTD platforms for all bookings. Stay vigilant and help spread awareness to protect fellow pilgrims from these fraudulent schemes.