Tirupati temple refutes actress’ bribe claims | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Tirupati temple refutes actress’ bribe claims

ByPress Trust of India, Amaravati
Sep 06, 2022 12:19 AM IST

The TTD alleged that the actress not only misbehaved with its staff but also abused them. “She even manhandled one of our staffers who tried to intervene and pacify her,” the TTD said in a series of tweets on Monday.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has refuted allegations made by actress-politician Archana Gautam that its staff demanded a bribe of 10,000 to facilitate her darshan of Lord Venkateswara atop the holy Tirumala Hills.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has refuted allegations made by actress-politician Archana Gautam. (PTI)
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has refuted allegations made by actress-politician Archana Gautam. (PTI)

The TTD alleged that the actress not only misbehaved with its staff but also abused them. “She even manhandled one of our staffers who tried to intervene and pacify her,” the TTD said in a series of tweets on Monday.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The TTD reacted after the actress posted a selfie video wherein she alleged that she was not only denied darshan of the Lord but also the temple staff demanded bribe to facilitate the darshan.

She even sought to lodge a complaint against the TTD staff with the local Two-Town police and wanted the chief minister’s intervention to set things right.

Archana, who acted in a few Hindi and Telugu films, contested unsuccessfully as a Congress candidate in the UP assembly election.

“She came with a recommendation letter from the Union Minister of State for seven darshan tickets. Accordingly, they were issued the 300 special darshan tickets for August 31 but they did not avail of it,” the TTD said.

Archana, along with her companion Sivakanth Tiwari, barged into to the TTD additional executive officer’s office and indiscriminately abused the staff. She even hit a staff member, the TTD said.

“The staff once again offered her 300 tickets but she refused to take them. She then went to the local police station and complained that the TTD staff misbehaved with her,” the TTD added.

On viewing a video clip taken by the TTD staff, the local inspector of police established that it was the actress who was indeed at fault. Exposed, Archana hastily retreated, the temple said.

“Our staff only told her that she could buy the Srivani darshan ticket for 10,500 for September 1. But she alleged that our staff demanded bribe,” the TTD pointed out.

“Archana resorted to a malicious campaign on social media thinking people will believe her because she’s a celebrity. We appeal to devotees not to believe in such false propaganda,” the TTD said.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On