Threat to blow up Tirupati Balaji temple; ISI & LTTE named behind conspiracy

The city of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh has been placed under a state of heightened security following the receipt of two highly suspicious emails containing terrorist bomb threats. Authorities, including specialized bomb disposal teams, have been put on high alert and have initiated exhaustive inspections across numerous vital locations. The threatening communication has raised serious concerns, particularly as it alleges a dangerous conspiracy involving Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants based in Tamil Nadu.

The threatening mails specifically claimed that RDX explosives were planned to be detonated in four separate areas across Tirupati. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the Tirupati police launched a massive cordon-and-search operation, focusing their efforts on high-footfall public transport hubs and major religious accommodation centres to preempt any potential threat.

Thorough checks were executed across several key locations within the city. Security personnel inspected the RTC bus stand, the pilgrimage guest houses of Srinivasam and Vishnu Niwasam, and the well-known Kapilatheertham and Govindarajula Swamy temple. The broad sweep was designed to cover areas most vulnerable to a terror strike, ensuring the safety of thousands of pilgrims and residents.

Further extending the security perimeter, police personnel also conducted meticulous inspections at the judges’ residential complex and the surrounding court areas. This expansion of the security grid demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the threat assessment, aiming to protect key judicial and civil infrastructure from any attack.

The security level was further amplified due to the impending visit of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to Tirupati, scheduled for the 6th of this month. Additional and rigorous checks were carried out at the Agricultural College helipad, the designated landing spot for the Chief Minister, ensuring a secure environment for the VVIP’s arrival.

Crucially, bomb disposal teams were deployed to raid and sanitize prominent religious sites across the region. These sites included the renowned Tiruchanur Padmavati Ammavari temple, the sacred hills of Tirumala, and the Srikalahasti temples. The authorities have strongly urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately, as security measures remain stringent across the entire city.