A shocking incident at Tirumala left 35 devotees from Bengaluru disheartened after discovering that their darshan tickets were fake. These devotees had traveled through a private agency, Varsha Travels, which collected Rs. 3,350 from each person, promising transportation and a confirmed darshan of Lord Venkateswara. However, during the ticket verification process in the queue line, officials identified the tickets as counterfeit, causing immense distress to the unsuspecting pilgrims.
Following the incident, TTD Vigilance officials launched an investigation and gathered details related to Varsha Travels from the affected devotees. The victims demanded immediate and strict action against the agency and urged authorities to take stronger steps to regulate such fraudulent practices that continue to exploit pilgrims in the name of spiritual services.
TTD authorities issued a clear warning to all devotees, emphasizing that darshan tickets should be obtained only through official online platforms, TTD counters, or recommendation letters. They strongly advised pilgrims not to trust private travel agencies, middlemen, or unauthorized agents. The incident highlights the recurring issue of fake ticket scams at Tirumala, prompting devotees to call for stringent enforcement measures to protect the sanctity of the pilgrimage and ensure the safety of genuine visitors.
