The vigilance officials have taken three persons in to their custody for allegedly preaching holy texts of other religion and trying to convert people into other religion at F2 quarters in Tirumala. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials have identified that the three culprits, who were preaching on conversions atop sacred seven hills-Tirumala, belonged to TTD itself. Irked over this act, TTD chairman Bapiraju has transferred these officials from Tirumala to Tirupati.

The incidents of such miscreants trying to convert by spreading pamplets on other religion philosophies at holy Tirumala is nothing new. While such people would face the wrath of the almighty anyway, the government should ensure that such conversion practices by luring people with wealth and other offers should come to an end, opined devotees at Tirumala.

Meanwhile, the government, which has taken up this issue seriously ordered a probe. It may be noted that the state government has banned preaching at 19 Hindu pilgrimage centres in the state.

(AW Phani)