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Time of India

Muslim man seen offering namaz at Tirumala sparks row in Andhra Pradesh

TIRUPATI : A video of a Muslim driver offering namaz at the Hindu pilgrimage town of Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh has gone viral, prompting a sharp backlash and sparking political controversy. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday near the Purohita Sangham area, when the driver — accompanying a group of Hindu pilgrims from Tamil Nadu offered prayers after parking his vehicle. The pilgrims had gone for darshan at the time, sources in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams ( TTD ) vigilance and security department told local media. Footage of the man praying was recorded by a passer-by and later circulated widely on social media, drawing criticism from several quarters. According to the Andhra Pradesh Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act, religious worship not linked to Hinduism is prohibited on the Tirumala hills. Former TTD chairman and ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy criticised the TTD administration, accusing it of failing to uphold the sanctity of the shrine. 'With thousands of security cameras and personnel, such incidents that hurt Hindu sentiments and risk communal unrest should be prevented at the outset,' he said. The issue quickly escalated into a political row, with the local BJP unit accusing the YSRCP of politicising the matter. TTD board member and BJP leader G Bhanu Prakash Reddy suggested the incident may have been orchestrated, adding that an investigation was underway. 'The TTD and local police are reviewing CCTV footage to establish the identity of the driver. We will get to the bottom of this,' Reddy said. TTD officials said the driver's identity has not yet been confirmed, and inquiries are ongoing. Tirumala, home to the Sri Venkateswara temple, is one of the most visited Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world and has strict guidelines prohibiting non-Hindu religious practices in its vicinity. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !