Daijiworld Media Network – Tirupati

Tirupati, Jul 9: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has suspended Assistant Executive Officer (AEO) A Rajasekhar Babu with immediate effect for allegedly attending church prayers and propagating Christianity in his hometown of Puttur in Tirupati district.

The suspension comes after a report by the TTD Vigilance Department and a viral video allegedly showing Babu participating in Sunday church services. The TTD, which manages the Lord Venkateswara temple, cited violation of the employee code of conduct, stating that staff representing a Hindu religious trust must refrain from participating in or promoting non-Hindu religious activities.

“Rajasekhar Babu was found attending local church prayers every Sunday, which is in direct violation of the norms expected from an employee of a Hindu religious institution,” said the Chief Public Relations Officer of TTD.

This action is part of a larger crackdown by the temple body, which earlier transferred 18 employees, including teachers, nurses, and officers, for similar violations.

TTD emphasized that employees must maintain the sanctity and religious discipline aligned with the values of the Hindu temple organization.