Three-Hour Security Alert After Intoxicated Man Scales Temple Tower in Tirupati
Three-Hour Security Alert After Intoxicated Man Scales Temple Tower in Tirupati
Chaos erupted at the historic Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple in Tirupati after an intoxicated man managed to climb the temple tower, triggering a prolonged security operation and raising fresh questions about safety at the revered shrine.
The individual was later identified as Kuditi Tirupathi, a resident of Nizamabad district. According to officials from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the man allegedly gained entry into the temple premises by jumping over a boundary wall. Once inside, he reportedly moved through the wooden tent support structures before making his way up the gopuram, the towering architectural feature of the temple.
While on the gopuram, the man attempted to pull the kalashas, the sacred finials that crown the structure. His actions did not go unnoticed for long, as alert temple staff spotted him and immediately informed authorities. It is believed that two kalashas were damaged during the incident.
Responding swiftly, teams from the Tirupati East Police and the Fire Department launched a joint rescue operation. Using ropes and iron ladders, personnel worked carefully for nearly three hours to bring the man down safely, ensuring no further harm to the structure or to him.
Following the rescue, the suspect was taken into custody and shifted to the Tirupati East Police Station for further questioning and investigation.
While no injuries were reported, the episode has sparked serious concern over existing security measures at the temple, one of the city’s most prominent religious landmarks. Authorities are now expected to review surveillance and access controls to prevent such breaches in the future and to safeguard both devotees and heritage structures from similar incidents.
