TTD files police complaint against social media handles, YouTube channels over false info on spiritual guru's visit

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) filed a complaint at the Tirupati University Police Station on Wednesday against some social media representatives and YouTube channels who 'falsely' propagated that renowned spiritual orator Brahmarshi Dr. Chaganti Koteswara Rao was insulted during his visit to Tirumala.

Despite providing accurate information about Dr Chaganti Koteswara Rao’s visit through official social media channels, TTD said a few YouTube and social media channels repeatedly distorted facts and spread false claims with malicious intent, damaging TTD's reputation.

Consequently, apart from filing a case, TTD has also lodged complaints with the Press Information Bureau (PIB) in New Delhi and Vijayawada.

Additionally, a request has been sent to YouTube and Meta management to revoke the licenses of these social media organisations for spreading misinformation that could hurt devotees' sentiments and undermine the morale of Dr Chaganti Koteswara Rao’s global spiritual followers.

TTD had issued official proceedings on December 20, 2024, granting permission for Dr Chaganti’s visit to Tirumala on January 14, 2025, for Lord Venkateswara’s darshan and a spiritual discourse at Mahati Auditorium on January 16, 2025.

In accordance with his cabinet rank protocol privileges, special arrangements were made for his darshan, including battery vehicles from Rambagicha Guest House to the temple and biometric entry.

However, Dr Chaganti Koteswara Rao himself opted to visit the temple like a regular devotee through the Vaikuntam Queue Complex, declining special arrangements.

Furthermore, due to a stampede situation in Tirupati on January 8, TTD officials suggested postponing his discourse for safety reasons, which he accepted. TTD assured that new dates would be scheduled with his approval.

Despite these facts, social media representatives falsely claimed that TTD denied biometric entry and cancelled his discourse at the last minute due to administrative reasons, said TTD.

“TTD strongly condemns these deliberate attempts to mislead devotees and damage its global reputation. The TTD said it will take legal action against individuals and organisations engaged in such false propaganda.