Drunk Man Scales Govindaraja Swamy Temple in Tirupati, Demands Alcohol; Arrested After Three-Hour Operation
Digital Desk
A 45-year-old man from Telangana was arrested on Saturday after he climbed atop the historic Govindaraja Swamy Temple in Tirupati and refused to come down unless he was given alcohol, triggering a major security and rescue operation at one of the city’s prominent religious sites.
Police identified the man as Kuttadi Tirupati, a resident of Nizamabad district. According to officials, the incident occurred after darshan hours, when the temple was closed to devotees. The man allegedly evaded security personnel at the entrance and entered the temple complex while in an intoxicated state.
Witnesses said the man behaved erratically inside the premises before scaling the temple walls and climbing onto the gopuram. Once on top, he caused panic among temple staff and nearby residents after attempting to remove the kalash placed at the summit of the structure, an act considered highly sacrilegious.
The situation prompted an immediate response from the police, fire brigade, and temple security staff. Authorities cordoned off the area and began efforts to bring the man down safely, concerned that he could slip or fall from the height. The rescue operation continued for nearly three hours, with officials attempting to calm him and negotiate his descent.
Police officials said the man repeatedly demanded alcohol as a precondition for coming down. After prolonged negotiations, authorities managed to secure his descent without injuries. Speaking briefly to the media after being detained, the man claimed he had asked only for 90 ml of liquor and denied demanding a full bottle.
Following the operation, police took him into custody and shifted him to the Tirupati East Police Station for questioning. A case has been registered, and further legal action is being initiated based on the findings of the investigation.
The incident has raised serious questions about security arrangements at the Govindaraja Swamy Temple, particularly during non-darshan hours. Police are examining CCTV footage and reviewing how the man managed to bypass security personnel stationed at the temple gates.
Temple authorities expressed shock over the breach and said security protocols would be reassessed. Officials indicated that additional measures, including tighter access control and increased surveillance, would be implemented to prevent similar incidents.
The Govindaraja Swamy Temple, one of the most visited shrines in Tirupati, attracts thousands of devotees daily. The episode has renewed calls for stronger crowd management and security oversight to ensure the safety and sanctity of major religious institutions.
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Drunk Man Scales Govindaraja Swamy Temple in Tirupati, Demands Alcohol; Arrested After Three-Hour Operation
Digital Desk
Police identified the man as Kuttadi Tirupati, a resident of Nizamabad district. According to officials, the incident occurred after darshan hours, when the temple was closed to devotees. The man allegedly evaded security personnel at the entrance and entered the temple complex while in an intoxicated state.
Witnesses said the man behaved erratically inside the premises before scaling the temple walls and climbing onto the gopuram. Once on top, he caused panic among temple staff and nearby residents after attempting to remove the kalash placed at the summit of the structure, an act considered highly sacrilegious.
The situation prompted an immediate response from the police, fire brigade, and temple security staff. Authorities cordoned off the area and began efforts to bring the man down safely, concerned that he could slip or fall from the height. The rescue operation continued for nearly three hours, with officials attempting to calm him and negotiate his descent.
Police officials said the man repeatedly demanded alcohol as a precondition for coming down. After prolonged negotiations, authorities managed to secure his descent without injuries. Speaking briefly to the media after being detained, the man claimed he had asked only for 90 ml of liquor and denied demanding a full bottle.
Following the operation, police took him into custody and shifted him to the Tirupati East Police Station for questioning. A case has been registered, and further legal action is being initiated based on the findings of the investigation.
The incident has raised serious questions about security arrangements at the Govindaraja Swamy Temple, particularly during non-darshan hours. Police are examining CCTV footage and reviewing how the man managed to bypass security personnel stationed at the temple gates.
Temple authorities expressed shock over the breach and said security protocols would be reassessed. Officials indicated that additional measures, including tighter access control and increased surveillance, would be implemented to prevent similar incidents.
The Govindaraja Swamy Temple, one of the most visited shrines in Tirupati, attracts thousands of devotees daily. The episode has renewed calls for stronger crowd management and security oversight to ensure the safety and sanctity of major religious institutions.
