Tirumala, July 23, 2026: In a swift and coordinated operation, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), along with the TTD Vigilance Department and the District Police, recovered the Hanuman idol that had been stolen from near the giant Sri Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy Temple at the Seventh Mile on the First Ghat Road.
Following traditional Vedic rituals and puja, the recovered idol was ceremonially reinstalled at its original location.
Advanced Surveillance Helped Crack the Case
Speaking after the reinstallation ceremony, TTD Additional Executive Officer Sri Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary said the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) played a crucial role in identifying the accused.
Officials successfully tracked the suspect by analysing:
- Luggage and mobile deposit receipts
- Facial Recognition System (FRS)
- CCTV surveillance footage
The accused was identified while leaving Tirumala after darshan, arrested by the authorities, and the idol was recovered within just 14 hours.
Enhanced Security Measures Planned
To prevent similar incidents in the future, TTD announced several security measures, including:
- Installation of protective grills around small roadside temples and idols.
- Deployment of high-resolution CCTV cameras along the Tirumala Ghat Roads.
- Strengthening surveillance through the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC).
Appeal to Devotees
TTD appealed to devotees to respect the sanctity of temples and idols located along the Tirumala Ghat Roads.
Pilgrims were requested to immediately report any suspicious activity to the TTD Toll-Free Helpline or TTD Vigilance officials, enabling prompt action.
Officials Present
The reinstallation ceremony was attended by TTD Board Member Smt. Panabaka Lakshmi, Vigilance and Security Officer (VGO) Sri Surendra, TTD Additional EO Sri Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary, and other TTD officials.
TTD reiterated that its modern surveillance infrastructure enables rapid detection of untoward incidents and quick identification of offenders, ensuring the safety and sanctity of Tirumala's sacred temples.
💬 Comments