Mon Mar 31 01:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Tirumala’s Sacred Space Tarnished by Alcohol and Drug Trafficking
**Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh:** The sanctity of the world-renowned Tirumala temple is under threat due to rampant alcohol and drug trafficking, according to reports. Since the current government took office, illegal activities have increased dramatically, with readily available alcohol and even cannabis being found within the temple complex. This has led to several incidents of intoxicated individuals assaulting pilgrims. Despite a three-tiered security system comprising TTDe vigilance, state police, and special security forces, the illicit substances continue to enter the sacred grounds. The lax enforcement is raising serious concerns among devotees.
A recent incident saw a taxi driver arrested for operating an illegal liquor business from his home in East Balaji Nagar. He was apprehended after being caught transporting numerous bottles of alcohol from Tirupati to Tirumala. While checkpoints have been set up at Alipiri to prevent the smuggling of contraband, they appear insufficient in curbing the flow of alcohol and drugs into Tirumala. The lack of effective enforcement across all security agencies is a worrying trend, undermining the sanctity of the pilgrimage site. Devotees express growing fear and concern about the escalating problem and demand stricter measures to restore the temple’s sacred atmosphere. The situation highlights a major security lapse and the need for a comprehensive crackdown on illegal activities within the temple complex.
First Piper 