The MPs letter comes in the wake of wall collapse at the Simhachalam Temple, killing nine people.
Published May 02, 2025 | 1:42 PM ⚊ Updated May 02, 2025 | 1:42 PM
File photo of YSRCP MP Maddila Gurumoorthy. (X)
Synopsis: YSRCP MP Maddila Gurumoorthy urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to probe administrative and security lapses at Andhra Pradesh temples. Citing the Simhachalam wall collapse, Tirumala stampede, and temple mismanagement, he highlighted loss of lives, neglect, and systemic failures. He demanded a detailed inquiry to restore public trust and ensure safety and accountability at these revered sites.
YSRCP MP Maddila Gurumoorthy representing Tirupati on Thursday, 1 May, wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking an inquiry into the administrative failures, and security lapses in the recent times at Andhra Pradesh Temples.
The MPs letter comes in the wake of wall collapse at the Simhachalam Temple, killing nine people.
In the missive addressed to Union government, Gurumoorthy wrote: “I am writing to you with deep anguish and grave concern regarding a series of alarming administrative failures, security breaches, and systemic lapses at some of the most revered temples in the state of Andhra Pradesh, which have resulted in tragic loss of lives, desecration of sacred traditions, and erosion of public trust.”
Citing the wall collapose, the Tirupati MP noted, “On April 30, 2025, during the auspicious Chandanotsavam festival at the Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam, a newly constructed wall made of flyash bricks merely constructed 20 days prior collapsed, tragically claiming the lives of seven innocent devotees and injuring several others. It is deeply distressing to note that the wall was reportedly built without the use of columns and using substandard materials, reflecting gross negligence in supervision and crowd management, leading to this irreparable loss.”
Gurumoorthy further cited other examples of issues faced at temples, “Similarly, at Sri Kurmanatha Swamy Temple in Srikurmam, Srikakulam district, the mysterious deaths of several rare and sacred Indian star tortoises have caused widespread dismay among devotees and conservationists alike.”
“Reports indicate poor maintenance, suspicious fire incidents within the temple premises, and the unlawful cremation of these sacred creatures without mandatory post-mortem examinations, thereby violating wildlife protection laws and traditional practices,” he added.
The MP also recalled the January stampede at Tirupati, that killed six people and injured many. “Of particular concern is the continued breakdown of security at Tirumala, the most sacred abode of Lord Venkateswara Swamy. Despite repeated warnings and representations following incidents such as the tragic stampede on January 8, 2025, no substantial corrective measures have been implemented by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) administration.”
He further claimed, “Recent breaches including instances where devotees reached the temple’s main entrance wearing footwear despite passing through three layers of security highlight serious failures in protocol, surveillance, and coordination among security agencies. Moreover, it was reported earlier in 2025 that over 100 cows had died at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Goshala, with claims of neglect, mismanagement, poor quality of feed, and inadequate veterinary care, further indicating systemic collapse within temple management.”
“The absence of a dedicated security head and the disjointed functioning of multiple agencies have severely compromised the safety of pilgrims and the sanctity of these revered temples,” Gurumoorthy added.
MP Gurumoorthy requested the centre to direct the concerned authorities to initiate a a detailed and impartial inquiry into these incidents, ” I suggest your esteemed office will take necessary steps to ensure accountability, strengthen governance, and restore the faith of millions of devotees who revere these sacred institutions. I trust in your esteemed leadership to safeguard the cultural and spiritual heritage of our nation, and I look forward to your kind and immediate action in this regard,” he added.
Wrote to Union HM Shri @AmitShah Ji on the series of unfortunate incidents happening across the state in some of the most sacred temples due to administrative failures, security lapses and human errors which inturn resulting in the loss of lives and erosion of public… pic.twitter.com/Y1MdhDNShh
— Maddila Gurumoorthy (@GuruMYSRCP) May 1, 2025
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
