The Andhra Pradesh coalition government has signaled its readiness to investigate alleged corruption at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) during the previous YSRCP administration. Vigilance officials, already probing incidents such as the laddoo mishap and theft of oil and Parakamani at the Tirumala Venkanna sanctum, have now reported irregularities in the gold gilding of the Vimanam tower at the Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple in Tirupati. Authorities allege that approximately 50 kilograms of gold went missing during the work and that around 30 idols were damaged in the process, with illegal activities occurring both on the hill and at its base.
The gold gilding project, undertaken between 2022 and 2023, involved the allocation of 100 kilograms of gold by TTD to cover nine layers on the Vimanam tower. Allegations indicate that only two layers were completed, resulting in the disappearance of nearly half the gold. Earlier reports also suggested that 30 idols on the tower were damaged prior to gilding. Complaints claim that then TTD Chairman Y.V. Subbareddy and Executive Officer Dharmareddy attempted to suppress the issue, while the original contractor was bypassed and the work subcontracted to two other individuals.
Vigilance officials are conducting a comprehensive investigation, collecting statements from whistleblowers, and questioning workers involved in the gilding process to determine the extent of the idol damage and the actual quantity of gold used. The inquiry seeks to uncover the full scope of alleged corruption in the temple’s Vimanam gilding operations.