Man Impersonates TTD PRO, Cheats Devotees with Fake VIP Darshan Offers
TTD chairman condemns fraud, urges pilgrims to book darshan and accommodation only via the official website to avoid scams
Tirupati: Tirumala police have registered a case against a man for allegedly duping devotees by posing as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and offering VIP darshan at the temple.
The fraud was exposed after NRI devotee Gopal Raju lodged a complaint with the TTD Chairman, revealing that a WhatsApp group named “Tirumala Information” had been extorting money from NRI devotees by promising Srivari darshan tickets. The group misled devotees by using the TTD Chairman’s photograph as its display picture and sending messages under the name “Prasad,” falsely claiming to be the PRO.
Following an inquiry, TTD Vigilance officials identified the accused as Mohammed Javed Khan from Old City, Hyderabad. The Tirumala Two Town Police registered a case (FIR No. 18/2025) and launched an investigation.
TTD chairman condemned the fraud, warning that strict legal action would be taken against those deceiving devotees. He urged pilgrims to book darshan and accommodation only through TTD’s official website.
