In a major crackdown on online fraud, Tirumala II Town Police arrested two men for allegedly cheating devotees by offering VIP darshan and accommodation at Tirumala on various social media platforms.
The accused, Kamasani Pavan Kumar Reddy alias Nagaraj and Bodireddy Chennakesavulu Reddy from Chittoor district, operated a Facebook page named “Shravan Kala” and allegedly posted attractive messages on Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, promising easy access to VIP darshan and an excellent accommodation.
Police said the duo reportedly collected money from devotees through UPI payments but failed to provide any services. Following a complaint by the TTD Vigilance wing, a case was registered and a special team was formed to investigate.
During the probe, police also seized mobile phones, bank passbooks and digital evidence, including chats and transaction records. Victims from several States including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra, were reportedly targeted.
The accused were produced before a court, which sent them to remand.
