Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Geo-Tagging and Surveillance Reunite Missing Devotees at Tirumala
Police are using cameras, questioning and geo-tags to help people at Tirumala.
A geo-tag records identity and family information so a lost child can be identified.
Police have tagged more than 52,000 children since September 15.
Four girls who became separated from their parents were found.
Three adults who had been reported missing were also located.
One man from Tamil Nadu had been missing since November 2025.
Police checked his details and reunited him with his wife.
The work is taking place across busy areas of the hill shrine during the Brahmotsavams.
Police traced three adults reported missing from their homes during the Tirumala Brahmotsavams.
Four girls separated from their parents were found and reunited with their families.
Police have geo-tagged 52,005 children since September 15 to support identification and reunification.
An elderly woman and missing people from Tamil Nadu, Anakapalli and Chirala were also traced.
The operation covers trekking routes, mada streets, galleries, bus stations and accommodation areas.
- Who
- Police personnel, devotees, children and families at Tirumala; Tirupati district SP L Subba Rayudu described the child-safety effort.
- What
- Geo-tagging and surveillance helped trace three missing adults, four separated girls and an elderly woman.
- When
- During the Tirumala Brahmotsavams; police have geo-tagged children since September 15, and one man had been missing since November 2025.
- Where
- Tirumala, including its trekking routes, four mada streets, galleries, bus stations and accommodation areas.
- Why
- To identify vulnerable or disoriented devotees and quickly reunite separated or missing people with their families.
- Children geo-tagged
- 52,005 since September 15
- Adults traced
- Three people reported missing from their homes
- Girls reunited
- Four girls separated from their parents
- Other person traced
- An elderly woman was found and handed over to her family
- Tamil Nadu case
- A man missing since November 2025 was reunited with his wife
- Police coverage
- Trekking routes, four mada streets, galleries, bus stations and accommodation areas
- Police official
- Tirupati district SP L Subba Rayudu