Hyderabad The Mahankali Police have begun investigating a cheating case in which a woman allegedly duped more than 100 devotees by promising Srivari Seva and Sarva Darshan at the Tirumala temple during the recent Vaikuntha Ekadashi rush. The accused, identified as Mamatha, a resident of Bhoiguda in Secunderabad, reportedly collected money by claiming she could arrange confirmed darshan and temple services, but instead used fake tickets and false assurances.

Police said Mamatha targeted devotees during the highly crowded Vaikuntha Ekadashi period, when demand for entry passes and Seva slots is at its peak. She allegedly gained the confidence of devotees by projecting herself as someone with strong contacts within the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams system, claiming she could coordinate darshan, Seva, and travel arrangements.

Several devotees were left stranded at Tirumala after reaching the shrine based on her assurances, waiting for days without being allowed darshan. In other cases, devotees were sent tickets in advance, only to find out at the temple that the tickets were fake, forcing them to return without entering the shrine.

Following complaints from victims, Mahankali Police registered a case under sections related to cheating and forgery. Investigators are now tracing the source of the forged tickets and examining whether Mamatha acted alone or as part of a larger network. Officials are reviewing digital evidence, including messages, payments, and ticket images, while coordinating with TTD authorities to prevent similar frauds.

Police have urged devotees to book tickets only through official channels and avoid intermediaries.