In a major crackdown aimed at safeguarding law and order atop the temple town of Tirumala, the Tirupati district police have invoked the Preventive Detention (PD) Act against a habitual offender accused of repeatedly coercing devotees, disrupting public peace and attacking police and TTD personnel.The accused, Gogula Kotaiah alias Koti (22), was detained under the provisions of the PD Act following a detailed proposal submitted by Tirupati District Superintendent of Police (SP) L. Subbarayudu.After examining the accused’s criminal antecedents, the District Collector and District Magistrate concluded that his continued activities reportedly posed a serious threat to public order and safety of the visiting devotees. Acting on the detention orders, the police shifted the accused to Kadapa Central prison.The police described the preventive detention as part of a broader strategy to preserve the sanctity of Tirumala and ensure that pilgrims can offer prayers without fear or intimidation. They reiterated that maintaining peace, security and the spiritual atmosphere of the temple town remains their foremost priority. Published - June 30, 2026 08:50 pm IST