TIRUPATI: Security at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) seized a revolver and six bullet cartridges from a devotee today morning during a routine check.
Special Protection Force (SPF) constable N Gandhadha, while performing a routine security check on pilgrims headed for the Tirumala shrine, found the firearm and ammunition in a small bag inside a Hyundai Verna.
He immediately detained the passengers of the car and alerted his superiors.
According to the chief vigilance and security officer Ravi Krishna, the firearm was an NP bore revolver and the owner had a valid license. The devotee from Maharashtra was reportedly not aware that firearms are not allowed inside Tirumala shrine.
"We are verifying his claim. We are also going through the documents. If he is a genuine devotee and tried to take the fire arm unaware that it was not allowed, he and others will be allowed to proceed," he said.
On August 2, the TTD staff, during a routine check, seized a revolver from another devotee who also hailed from Maharashtra. The security personnel found a revolver and 14 rounds hidden inside a car along with other baggage.
The police found that the weapon belonged to a man named Vijay Mane. Upon interrogation, it was found that he had a license for the gun.