The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has suspended four of its employees following allegations that they adhered to non-Hindu religious faiths.
The suspended employees include Deputy Executive Engineer (Quality Control) B Elizar, BIRRD Hospital Staff Nurse S Rosi, BIRRD Grade 1 Pharmacist M Premavati and Dr G Asuntha from the S V Ayurveda Pharmacy.
TTD officials said that the suspensions were based on an inquiry conducted by the vigilance department. The findings suggested that the employees had failed to uphold the institution's religious guidelines and acted irresponsibly while performing their duties within a Hindu religious institution.
Based on the inquiry report and supporting evidence, departmental action was taken under the existing rules, and the four employees were suspended with immediate effect.
The TTD, which manages the affairs of the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala, requires its employees to adhere to the tenets of Hinduism, as per its service rules. This policy has been a matter of public debate in the past, especially regarding the employment of non-Hindus in religious roles or positions directly associated with temple activities.
In 2020, the TTD issued a circular reiterating that employees must submit a declaration of their faith, particularly those working in sensitive religious zones.