Staff Sacked Over Meat Consumption on Alipiri Route

New Delhi, November 10, 2025: A significant controversy has erupted at the sacred pilgrimage site of Tirumala after a video showing staff members consuming non-vegetarian food near the revered Alipiri trekking route went viral on social media. The footage was presented as a shocking breach of the strict religious norms that are mandated within the holy town managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The incident has sparked widespread outrage among devotees who demand the preservation of the site’s sanctity.

Swift Disciplinary Action Is Taken by TTD

Following the massive public uproar generated by the clip, a rapid response was issued by the TTD. The trust that manages the Sri Venkateswara Temple confirmed that strict action had been taken against the individuals involved. Two outsourcing employees, identified as Ramaswamy and Sarasamma, were immediately dismissed from service.

A formal complaint against the two individuals was also filed at the Tirumala II Town Police Station. The action was taken as the consumption of non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tobacco is strictly prohibited across the entire hill town, including the pedestrian routes like Alipiri, which is considered a sacred pathway for pilgrims ascending to the temple.

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The Details of the Incident and Public Outcry

The viral video was filmed by other pilgrims ascending the Alipiri footpath. The footage showed a group of individuals, later confirmed to be outsourcing sanitation workers, seated and eating what was visibly non-vegetarian food. Despite repeated warnings and questioning from the pilgrim who was recording the video, the group allegedly refused to immediately leave the spot or dispose of the prohibited food items.

The widespread sharing of the clip led to deep concern among devotees, with many publicly questioning how the employees were able to carry the meat to such a holy site in violation of the strict security and vigilance checks that are supposed to be in place at the foothills. The incident has renewed calls for the TTD to intensify surveillance and enforce religious rules more stringently against all individuals, especially those employed on the temple premises.

Focus Reaffirmed on Temple Sanctity

The entire episode has underscored the persistent challenges faced by the TTD in maintaining the sanctity of the vast, high-security religious area amidst a large workforce and millions of visitors. The swift termination of the employees is intended to send a clear message that violations of the sacred code will not be tolerated. Efforts are expected to be redoubled to prevent any further breaches of the site’s deeply held religious traditions.