In an unusual and disruptive incident at the Sri Govindaraja Swamy temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, a man reportedly under the influence of alcohol climbed the temple walls and demanded a bottle of liquor before he could be brought down safely. The episode caused a temporary commotion at one of South India’s most revered pilgrimage sites, highlighting the challenges faced by temple security in managing unexpected disruptions.
The man, identified as Kuttadi Tirupati, 45, hails from Peddamalla Reddy Colony in Kurmawada, Nizamabad district of Telangana, according to the news agency ANI. Reports indicate that Kuttadi managed to evade temple security personnel and climbed the compound walls, eventually attempting to scale the gopuram (temple tower) in a bid to reach the kalash (sacred finial) atop the shrine.
Confrontation with Temple Vigilance Staff
Temple vigilance staff noticed Kuttadi as he scaled the walls and immediately attempted to intervene. When approached and asked to come down, he reportedly made a bizarre demand: he would only descend if given a “quarter bottle of alcohol.” Eyewitnesses described the scene as tense, with Kuttadi refusing to comply until his demands were met.
Authorities ultimately provided the requested alcohol, after which Kuttadi was safely brought down and handed over to the Tirupati East Police Station. Tirupati East DSP M. Bhaktavatsalam Naidu confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances leading to the incident and any potential charges that might be filed.
Context: Alcohol-Related Public Incidents
While this incident is unusual for a religious setting, it is part of a broader trend of alcohol-related public disturbances across India in recent months. Earlier this month, a sub-inspector in Uttar Pradesh was taken into police custody after allegedly crashing his car into security barricades while under the influence. Witnesses reported that he misbehaved with on-duty personnel and a senior officer before offering a reluctant apology.
Similarly, in December, an Air India pilot was offloaded from a flight to Vancouver after Canadian authorities raised concerns about his fitness for duty, citing alcohol consumption. Airport staff had reportedly observed the pilot buying liquor and drinking wine prior to the flight.
These incidents have raised questions about alcohol-related conduct among both civilians and public officials, prompting authorities to review enforcement measures and safety protocols, especially in sensitive or high-security locations.
Security Measures at Tirupati Temple
The Sri Govindaraja Swamy temple, located in one of India’s busiest pilgrimage cities, sees thousands of devotees daily, particularly during festive occasions. Temple security, including vigilance staff and police personnel, is tasked with managing both the safety of pilgrims and the sanctity of the shrine.
Despite extensive security measures, including barricades and monitoring of entrance points, the Kuttadi incident demonstrates how alcohol-impaired individuals can still bypass precautions, creating potentially dangerous situations. Officials are expected to review protocols and reinforce training for vigilance personnel in the aftermath of the incident.
Public Reactions and Social Media Response
News of the incident quickly spread on social media, drawing a mixture of amusement, shock, and concern. While some users highlighted the bizarre nature of demanding alcohol atop a temple gopuram, others expressed worries about the safety of pilgrims and staff, especially in crowded temples during the holiday season.
Devotees at the temple reportedly remained calm during the incident, following instructions from vigilance personnel, and no injuries were reported. However, authorities are taking the matter seriously, considering the potential risk posed by the individual’s erratic behavior.
Next Steps and Investigation
The Tirupati East Police have taken Kuttadi into custody and are conducting a detailed investigation. This includes questioning him about his actions, verifying any prior incidents, and assessing whether charges of public mischief, trespass, or endangerment should be filed. Authorities will also examine how he evaded initial security measures and whether additional surveillance or barriers are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
DSP M. Bhaktavatsalam Naidu noted that while the immediate threat was neutralized, the investigation would aim to ensure accountability and maintain the sanctity and safety of the temple premises.
Conclusion
The incident at the Sri Govindaraja Swamy temple serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by alcohol-related disturbances, even in sacred spaces. While no physical harm occurred, the unusual demand for liquor in a religious setting drew attention to the importance of vigilant security, crowd management, and rapid response mechanisms.
Authorities are likely to use the episode as a case study in improving safety protocols at pilgrimage sites, while law enforcement agencies continue to monitor alcohol-related incidents in public areas. For the devotees present, the event was a stark but ultimately harmless interruption, reinforcing the need for awareness, discipline, and security vigilancein crowded and culturally significant spaces.
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