Temple Shock in Tirupati: Drunk Man Climbs Govindarajaswamy Temple, Demands Alcohol — 7 Shocking Details
A drunk man climbed Tirupati’s Govindarajaswamy Temple, demanding alcohol to come down, triggering panic and a major security response
A man under the influence of alcohol caused panic at the Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple after he managed to evade security personnel and enter the temple premises late last night, officials said.
Vigilance staff noticed the individual just in time as he attempted to climb the temple wall. After gaining access to the complex, the man climbed the gopuram and reached the kalashas, alarming temple authorities and devotees present at the site. Vigilance personnel immediately informed the police and fire department to prevent any mishap.
Officials identified the man as Kuttadi Tirupati (45), a resident of Peddamalla Reddy Colony, Kurmawada, in Telangana’s Nizamabad district. According to officials, he entered the temple like other devotees and allegedly climbed the Nadimi Gopuram using tent poles placed there.
During the standoff, the man demanded a quarter bottle of alcohol and claimed he would come down only after receiving it. After authorities agreed to his demand, he climbed down safely without sustaining injuries.
Police then took him to the Tirupati East Police Station, where he was arrested for being in an intoxicated state and a case was registered against him. Tirupati East DSP M Bhaktavatsalam Naidu said further investigation is underway.
A bizarre and alarming incident unfolded at Tirupati’s historic Govindarajaswamy Temple when an intoxicated man climbed the temple structure and refused to come down unless he was provided alcohol. The incident, which took place during daytime hours, triggered panic among devotees and prompted swift action from temple authorities and local police.
According to officials, the man was visibly intoxicated when he managed to scale a portion of the Govindarajaswamy Temple complex, a revered shrine located in the heart of Tirupati town. As crowds gathered and the situation escalated, the man allegedly began shouting demands for liquor, warning that he would not descend without it.
The unexpected incident caused temporary chaos in and around the temple premises. Devotees visiting the shrine were stunned to see the man perched on the structure, while many expressed concern over both his safety and the sanctity of the temple.
Eyewitnesses said the man appeared unstable and aggressive, raising fears that he could fall or injure himself. Temple officials immediately alerted local police and emergency services to prevent the situation from worsening.
Security personnel cordoned off the area to ensure the safety of devotees and prevent crowding near the structure. Temple activities continued under heightened vigilance, though several devotees chose to leave the premises until the situation was resolved.
Soon after receiving information, police personnel reached the spot and began efforts to de-escalate the situation. Rescue teams and fire department officials were also placed on standby as a precautionary measure.
Authorities avoided using force initially, opting instead for negotiation to safely bring the man down. Police officials attempted to calm him and convince him to descend voluntarily, stressing the risks involved in remaining atop the structure.
Officials confirmed that providing alcohol, as demanded by the man, was not an option. Instead, trained personnel focused on dialogue, patience, and crowd control to avoid any untoward incident.
The incident has once again raised questions about security measures at prominent religious sites. While Govindarajaswamy Temple is a major pilgrimage destination, officials acknowledged that the man managed to access the structure due to a temporary lapse in monitoring.
Temple authorities stated that they are reviewing security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. Additional barricades, increased surveillance, and stricter monitoring of intoxicated individuals around the temple complex are reportedly being considered.
“Such incidents are unfortunate and hurt the sentiments of devotees. We are committed to ensuring safety and maintaining the sanctity of the temple,” a temple official said.
After prolonged negotiations, the man was eventually persuaded to come down safely. Police confirmed that no injuries were reported during the incident. The man was immediately taken into custody and later shifted for medical evaluation to assess his condition.
Officials said legal action would be initiated against him for trespassing, public nuisance, and endangering public safety. Further investigation is underway to determine how he managed to enter the temple premises while intoxicated.
Videos and images of the incident quickly surfaced on social media, sparking widespread reactions. While many users expressed outrage over the incident occurring at a sacred site, others raised concerns about mental health, substance abuse, and public safety.
Several devotees called for stricter enforcement against alcohol consumption near religious places, while others urged authorities to treat such cases with sensitivity, especially if mental health issues are involved.
