Gold Plating Scam at Tirupati? Allegations of 50 kg of Gold Missing

Allegations of massive irregularities have surfaced regarding the gold plating work on the Vimana Gopuram (temple tower) of the Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple in Tirupati. Following complaints that approximately 50 kilograms of gold went missing during the work undertaken during the YSRCP regime, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) vigilance department has launched a thorough investigation.

Between 2022 and 2023, the TTD allocated approximately 100 kilograms of gold for the gold plating of the temple's Vimana Gopuram. While the regulations stipulated nine layers of gold plating, it is alleged that the work was completed with only two layers. This has raised suspicions that more than half of the allocated gold was misappropriated.

Furthermore, complaints have been received alleging that 30 idols on the gopuram were damaged during the work, and that the original contractor was sidelined, with the work being sub-contracted to others. It is also reported that attempts were made at a high level to suppress this matter at the time. Currently, vigilance officials are questioning the complainants, workers, and officials involved, and are gathering complete details regarding the gold usage and the quality of the work.