Security at the hill shrine of Tirumala has been heightened following the fire incident in after East Godavari where the chariot at Antarvedi caught fire, triggering protests.

Security has been heightened at the Tirupati temple following the Antarvedi chariot fire. (PTI)

Security at the hill shrine of Tirumala has been heightened following the fire incident in after East Godavari where the chariot at Antarvedi caught fire, triggering protests.

Security has been beefed at all 656 temples in the Tirupati urban district.

Further, police have also issued notices under the AP Public Safety Act for 151 temples in the urban district, directing the temple management to immediately install CCTVs in their shrines to ensure round the clock vigil in and around the temple.

Urban SP, A Ramesh Reddy, took up extensive inspection of Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, including the temple Ratham and overall situation.

The SP has warned unsocial elements trying to disrupt communal harmony in the state through direct and indirect means on social media.

The annual Brahmotsavam of Lord Venkateswara is commencing from September 19 and a heavy inflow of devotees from across country is expected at the shrine.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday decided to entrust to the CBI the probe into the chariot burning incident at the famous Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Antarvedi in East Godavari district.

The Chief Minister's Office said in a release that Jagan has taken the issue "seriously."

The 40-feet high chariot made of teak wood was parked in a shed on the temple premises. It is not known yet if the fire was caused by a short circuit or there was arson involved.

The chariot is normally used only during the 'Radhotsavam' at the Lords celestial wedding festivities.