Thu Feb 20 06:40:00 UTC 2025: **TTD Board Member Verbally Assaults Employee at Tirumala Temple**
TIRUMALA, February 18 – A member of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board, Naresh Kumar from Bengaluru, verbally abused and physically shoved a TTD employee, Balaji, in front of numerous devotees on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred after Kumar, following a darshan of Lord Venkateswara, was instructed to exit the temple through the designated biometric exit point, rather than the Maha Dwaram (main gate).
Kumar became enraged at Balaji’s insistence on following protocol, which is designed to manage the heavy crowds that gather around the Maha Dwaram and Gollamandapam after VIP darshans. Witnesses report Kumar used abusive language, physically pushing the employee, and threatening to remain seated until his demands were met. TTD vigilance officers and other officials intervened, de-escalating the situation and escorting the employee away.
While it’s customary for TTD board members to use the Maha Dwaram, there is no official rule mandating it. Criticism is emerging not only about Kumar’s behavior but also his handling of the situation. Many believe filing a complaint with higher authorities regarding the employee’s conduct would have been a more appropriate response than the public outburst and physical altercation. The incident has sparked concerns regarding the conduct of board members within the sacred premises of the temple.
First Piper 