Tirupati SP: Lathicharge Video at Bhudevi Complex is Fake

December 26, 2025: The Tirupati district police have officially dismissed a video circulating on social media that purports to show a police lathicharge on devotees at the Bhudevi Complex near Alipiri. District Superintendent of Police (SP) L. Subba Rayudu clarified on Thursday that the footage is false and misleading, emphasizing that no such force was used against pilgrims.

The Incident: Rush for SSD Tokens

The clarification comes in the wake of a heavy surge of devotees at the Bhudevi Complex, where pilgrims had gathered to collect Slotted Sarva Darshan (SSD) tokens for Tirumala.

According to official reports:

• Quota Exhaustion: Once the day’s allotted quota of tokens was finished, a large number of devotees attempted to reach the counters simultaneously.
• Brief Tension: This led to a momentarily tense situation as the crowd surged forward in hopes of securing a permit for darshan.
• Peaceful Intervention: Police personnel on duty, alongside Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) security staff, intervened to manage the crowd. The SP confirmed that the situation was brought under control through dialogue and orderly queue management, not force.

SP’s Statement on Misinformation

Speaking to the media, SP L. Subba Rayudu described the viral video as a deliberate attempt to create panic among the public.

“Spreading such fake videos and stories to create fear among devotees is highly irresponsible and unacceptable,” the SP stated. “Police personnel remained alert and managed the crowd peacefully. There were no clashes or lathicharges at the site.”

The district police chief further warned that strict legal action would be initiated against individuals or groups found circulating unverified or fabricated content on social media platforms. He urged the public and visiting pilgrims to rely solely on official communication from the police department or TTD authorities.

Current Situation at Alipiri

Following the brief protest by devotees who were unable to secure tokens, officials explained the quota limitations, after which the crowds dispersed voluntarily. Security remains heightened at all token distribution centers to ensure the smooth flow of pilgrims, especially during high-demand periods.

Authorities have reiterated that the safety and convenience of the devotees remain a top priority, and efforts are being made to streamline the SSD token process to prevent such surges in the future.