It is an open secret that a section of media working on the holy hills of Tirumala have been virtually ruling the roost.
Apart from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam authorities, they are considered to be the most powerful and influential lot on the hills.
There have been several allegations of these media persons have been indulging in several malpractices with the connivance of some TTD staff members in black-marketing of darshan tickets, seva tickets and even laddu sales.
Some of these media reporters have grabbed contracts for setting up of shops, parking lots and other counters.
Now, the new TTD trust board has decided to put an end to this indiscriminate loot by media persons.
The board is learnt to have prepared dossiers on such reporters and conveyed the same to their managements to take appropriate action against them.
According to reports, a reporter of a prominent Telugu daily was shifted from Tirumala, as there were allegations that he was involved in sale of 820 VIP tickets for Kalyanam, Suprabhatam and other Arjitha Sevas and had earned around Rs 1 lakh a day.
He reportedly bought a residence closer to Alipiri police station. He had been working on Tirumala hills for the last 10 years.
Another lesser known news channel also sacked its reporter for indulging in irregularities. He is said to earning not less than Rs 3 lakh to 4 lakh a month.
Similarly, a popular television channel is also inquiring into the allegations of irregularities by its reporter on Tirumala. This reporter, who did not complete his Class X, is learnt to have got the job with fake certificates claiming to be a post-graduate.
The management was apparently stunned to know that this reporter managed the show by employing four benami reporters, as he is not capable of writing even two lines properly.
In fact, this channel office has become a haven for middlemen in the TTD and this reporter had grabbed 783 VIP tickets between January and June this year.
He reportedly had control over allotment of guest houses and laddus and earned lakhs of rupees, inquiries revealed.
He is also working as unofficial PRO for two corporate houses and getting double salaries. Apart from sacking this reporter, the management is said to be contemplating filing a criminal case against this gentleman.
After unearthing this media scam on Tirumala, the TTD management has now instructed the office of JEO not to entertain the requests by the reporters unless they are authorized by the media managements. Clearance will be given only after crosschecking with the managements, sources said.