Hyderabad: The Mahankali police have launched an investigation into a cheating case in which a woman allegedly duped more than 100 devotees by promising Srivari Seva and Sarva Darshan at the Tirumala temple during the recent Vaikuntha Ekadashi rush. The accused is alleged to have collected money from devotees by claiming she could arrange confirmed darshan and temple services, but instead used fake tickets and false assurances.
According to police, the accused has been identified as Mamatha, a resident of Bhoiguda in Secunderabad. She allegedly targeted devotees eager to have darshan during the highly auspicious Vaikuntha Ekadashi period, when demand for entry passes and Seva slots is extremely high.
Modus operandi during Vaikuntha Ekadashi rush
Police officials said Mamatha gained the confidence of devotees by projecting herself as someone with strong contacts within the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) system. She allegedly claimed that she had the ability to arrange Srivari Seva, Sarva Darshan and even coordinate travel arrangements, making her offer appear convenient and credible.
Investigators said she collected money from devotees under the pretext of darshan tickets, Seva charges and travel expenses. In several cases, she allegedly assured devotees that everything had been confirmed and that they would have smooth access to the temple during the peak rush.
“Vaikuntha Ekadashi is one of the most crowded periods at Tirumala. Many devotees are anxious about long waiting hours, and the accused appears to have exploited this sentiment,” a police officer said.
Devotees left stranded at Tirumala
In one instance cited by the police, a group of devotees was taken all the way to Tirumala based on Mamatha’s assurances. However, after reaching the hill shrine, they were allegedly made to wait for several days without being provided darshan. When questioned, she reportedly kept giving excuses, eventually becoming unreachable.
In another set of cases, devotees were sent darshan tickets in advance through messaging platforms. When they arrived at Tirumala and presented the tickets to temple authorities, officials reportedly informed them that the tickets were fake. As a result, the devotees were forced to return without entering the shrine, suffering both financial loss and emotional distress.
Several victims later came together and approached the police after realising that they had been cheated in a similar manner.
Complaint leads to police case
Based on a complaint lodged by affected devotees, the Mahankali Police Station registered a case against Mamatha under sections related to cheating and forgery. Police said preliminary inquiry suggests that more than 100 devotees may have been affected, though the exact number is still being verified.
“We are in the process of identifying all victims and documenting the total amount collected by the accused. The scale of the fraud appears significant,” an investigating officer said.
Probe into fake ticket source
Police are now focusing on tracing the source of the forged darshan tickets and examining whether Mamatha acted alone or as part of a larger racket. Officials said they are analysing digital evidence, including messages, payment records and ticket images shared with devotees.
Investigators are also coordinating with TTD authorities to understand how the fake tickets were designed and whether similar complaints have been reported elsewhere during the Vaikuntha Ekadashi period.
“The use of forged temple tickets is a serious matter. We are investigating whether there is a network involved in creating or circulating such fake passes,” a senior police official said.
Advisory to devotees
Police have once again urged devotees to book darshan and Seva tickets only through official TTD channels and to avoid intermediaries or agents promising guaranteed entry. Officials said that during peak festival seasons, fraudsters often exploit devotees’ faith and urgency.
Conclusion
The case has highlighted the vulnerability of devotees during major religious occasions and the need for greater awareness against fraud. As the investigation continues, police said strict action would be taken against those involved, and efforts would be made to prevent similar scams in the future.