The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams’ (TTD) Vigilance and Security officials carried out a decoy operation atop the hill temple on Sunday to assess the operational efficacy of the security personnel. A team of five selected sleuths, including a woman, took part in the attention-grabbing operation.
Equipped with arms and ammunition, members of the team reached Tirumala individually by various modes of transport and routes, including the footpaths.
Meanwhile, there were rumours that the sleuths who were equipped with revolvers and grenades effortlessly passed thorough the highly-secured Vaikuntam queue complex and reached the main temple complex.
When contacted by The Hindu the TTDs Chief Vigilance and Security Officer (CVSO) G. Srinivas said such operations are periodically conducted to further strengthen the internal efficiency of the department. He said the main intention behind the operation was to identify and plug the loopholes and simultaneously stimulate the competence of the security personnel.
To a question, he dismissed claims that the chinks in the security cover stood exposed as the sleuths could easily gain entry into the highly fortified temple complex.
“Who said the sleuths went unidentified? With an intention to avoid commotion and maintain tranquillity inside the temple, the operation was handled on a low-profile,” he said.
