Andhra Pradesh: Vigilance Probe Intensifies into Irregularities in TTD During YSRC Rule

Tirupati: The state Vigilance and Enforcement Department has ramped up its investigation into the complaints of corruption and other irregularities at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams during the YSR Congress rule. The probe was initiated following chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu's pledge to “begin the cleansing of AP from Tirumala.” The investigation covers all TTD operations including the allocation of protocol and break darshan tickets, particularly to elected representatives, financial transactions and deposits, security measures for temple jewellery and the sanctioning of funds for various projects. The vigilance team is reviewing records of the past five years, focusing on tender processes, contract awards, quality of completed works, and discrepancies between allocated funds and actual project costs. BJP leader Naveen Reddy, who claims to have provided crucial information to the vigilance team, has demanded for a special surveillance on certain individuals who were allegedly attempting to destroy records. “Anxiety is growing among TTD officials and staff who held key positions over the past five years, and some are trying to tamper with the records.” He also noted that civil engineering contracts were hastily awarded to favoured contractors for a flat 10 per cent commission, suggesting that reissuing these tenders transparently could save the TTD around Rs.100 crore.