Raids at Tirumala on 'black marketing' of cottages

Tirumala (Andhra Pradesh), Feb 13: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) vigilance officials continued raids on various centres providing accommodation to visiting pilgrims here.

According to TTD chief vigilance and security officer Hari Kumar, the raids, being conducted since Monday, would continue today also. Advanced Reservation for Pilgrims (ARP), MBC-26 (Mangala Bavi Cottages-26),Central Reception Office (CRO),Padmavathi Reception Office and Public Amenity Complex were raided yesterday and touts held. Unaccounted cash and recommendation letters were also seized.

The action followed information that cottages were being given to pilgrims after payment of 'speed money,' Mr Kumar said, adding that involvement of employees can be ascertained only after inquiry.

UNI