Man offers Namaz; TTD EO orders probe

Tirupati: TTD Executive Officer D Sambsiva Rao ordered an enquiry into the incident of a person belonging to other religion offering prayers near Vaikuntam complex, Tirumala on Wednesday.

Following, the police taking a person identified as Abu Hamza into custody after he offered the noon prayer Namaz near the luggage counter, near Vaikuntam, the EO directed the TTD vigilance and security department to conduct a detailed enquiry and submit a report.

He also sought the security to ensure necessary steps to check other religious activities by anybody in any form as such practice was strictly barred on the hills.

Abu Hamza, a Kolkata-based businessman, was found offering Namaz at the place near the luggage counter by some devotee who immediately reported it to the TTD security.

After receiving information,TTD security police came and took Hamza into custody for enquiry.

Sources said that Hamza informed the police that he was not aware that other religious activities were not permitted at Tirumala. He said he as a provisions supplier to local traders in Tiruapti, has been visiting the city regularly for the last several years on business purpose.

As he came to know about the famous hill top temple shrine, he visited Tirumala to see the holy place. After spending a few hours going through the holy place, he observed his prayer when he was near the luggage counter as usual during the prayer time (afternoon Namaz).
The incident created flutter here.