High Alert in Tirumala: All Forces to Follow SOPs, Says DIG Shemushi Bajpai

A high-level review meeting on Tirumala security was held on Thursday at the Annamayya Bhavan in Tirumala. Senior officials from the police department, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), and other security agencies attended the meeting. The session was presided over by Shemushi Bajpai, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) for the Anantapur Range.

During the meeting, DIG Shemushi Bajpai stated that, in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the purpose of the security audit is to further strengthen the security of the Tirumala temple. She emphasized that all security forces and TTD departments should operate in coordination, with the primary goal of preserving the sentiments and trust of the devotees.

Earlier in the meeting, TTD in-charge Chief Vigilance and Security Officer (CVSO) and Tirupati Urban Superintendent of Police Harshavardhan Raju gave a detailed PowerPoint presentation. He explained the recommendations made during the security audit conducted in May 2023 and outlined the changes required in light of recent developments.

He highlighted the need to integrate all security forces—including the Andhra Pradesh Special Police (APSP), District Armed Reserve (DAR), Special Protection Force (SPF), Home Guards, Civil Police, and TTD’s internal security staff—and to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for each unit.

The officials also stressed the necessity of providing appropriate training to all access control personnel, including private security staff. Further, they recommended tightening security across 14 entry points in the Seshachalam forest region, including routes such as Talakona, Mamanduru, Thumburu Theertham, and Mangalam.

The meeting was attended by Greyhounds Commander Superintendent of Police Dr. Garud Sumit Sunil, ISW Superintendent of Police Arif Hafeez, Tirupati Divisional Forest Officer Vivek Anand, various security force officials, TTD Vigilance officers, and senior officials from other departments.