Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Hanuman Idol Stolen and Recovered Near Tirumala Hills
A small stone Hanuman idol was stolen near the sacred Tirumala hills in Andhra Pradesh.
The theft happened around 3:00 am on July 22.
The police quickly formed special teams and used CCTV footage to track the suspect.
They found and arrested the suspect at Ongole Railway Station, about 250 km away, within 15 hours.
The idol was recovered and will be returned to the temple after legal formalities.
The opposition criticized the security arrangements, while the government praised the police for their quick action.
A small stone Hanuman idol was stolen near the Tirumala hills in Andhra Pradesh around 3:00 am on July 22.
The police formed special teams and used CCTV footage to track the suspect.
The suspect was arrested at Ongole Railway Station, about 250 km from Tirupati, within 15 hours.
The idol was recovered and will be handed over to temple authorities after legal formalities.
The opposition criticized the security arrangements, while the government praised the police for their swift action.
- Who
- A suspect dressed in light yellow clothes, speaking in the Rayalaseema dialect of Telugu
- What
- Theft and recovery of a small stone Hanuman idol
- When
- Around 3:00 am on July 22
- Where
- Near the Anjaneya Swamy statue at the Seventh Mile on the Tirumala-Tirupati downhill ghat road
- Why
- The motive behind the incident is still under investigation.
Opposition Criticism
Government Defense
Security Arrangements
Opposition Criticism
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) questioned the security arrangements in and around the temple town, alleging repeated incidents reflect lapses in vigilance under the present government.
Government Defense
The ruling NDA coalition praised the police for their swift action in arresting the accused within 15 hours and recovering the idol, demonstrating the efficiency of law enforcement agencies.
- Location
- Tirumala Hills, Andhra Pradesh
- Date of Incident
- July 22
- Time of Incident
- 3:00 am
- Idol Description
- Small stone Hanuman idol, approximately one foot tall
- Suspect Description
- Dressed in light yellow clothes, speaking in the Rayalaseema dialect of Telugu, carrying two mobile phones and a scarf
- Arrest Location
- Ongole Railway Station, Prakasam district
- Distance from Tirupati
- 250 km
- Time to Recovery
- 15 hours