The office of Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav has raised a complaint with the NTR district police after discovering that fake Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) darshan letters were being circulated using the minister’s name and letterhead, TOI reported.
The complaint was formally submitted on Monday by the minister’s personal assistant (PA) to the NTR district commissioner of police, S V Rajasekhara Babu.
Fake TTD letters spark police complaint
The issue surfaced when several victims approached the minister’s office, reporting that fraudulent letters, supposedly issued by the minister, were being circulated in the past few days. These letters promised TTD darshan privileges, and many unsuspecting devotees were reportedly misled by them. The minister’s office was quick to realise the gravity of the situation and decided to escalate the matter to the police.
Upon receiving the complaint, Commissioner S V Rajasekhara Babu assured that a case would be registered immediately, and a thorough investigation would be launched to identify and apprehend those behind the fake letters.
Warning to devotees
The police have also issued a public warning to devotees and the general public. They have been asked to exercise caution and avoid falling for any letters or recommendations claiming to be from the Health Minister for TTD darshan.
Commissioner Rajasekhara Babu encouraged anyone who has received such fake letters or has been a victim of the scam to come forward and report their cases to the authorities.
This is not the first time that recommendation letters meant for VIP privileges have been misused. The TTD has been cracking down on cases where MPs, MLAs, MLCs, and even ministers were allegedly misusing their privilege letters for special darshan and accommodation.
Back in December last year, TTD prepared a detailed list of violators and planned to submit it to the Chief Minister’s office, asking for his intervention. Speaking to The Hindu, TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary said the administration is committed to take strict action against the misuse of privileges, which harms the image of the institution. He added that while making darshan smooth and faster for pilgrims is a priority, preserving the sanctity and calm of Tirumala is just as important.