In an incident that created a flutter at the Alipiri check post in Tirumala on Wednesday, security personnel conducting a check found a weapon and ammunition in a car that was entering the temple town.
Along with 14 live bullets that were concealed beneath the driver's seat, the security also found a pistol hidden in the trunk of the car.
The unidentified persons were visiting Tirumala from Maharashtra and were travelling in an SUV.
The Times of India reported that they had objected to the vehicle check, when the vigilance and security wing of the police stopped them, claiming that they were family members of a Pune Assistant Commissioner of Police.
They were later detained for questioning.
The gun and bullets were handed over to the Tirumala II Town police for further investigation.
The police later said that Pune-based devotee Vijay Mane had come for a 'darshan' with his family members, and that the gun was licensed.
Speaking to TOI, Chief security and vigilance officer Ake Ravikrishna clarified that even if the weapon belonged to a police officer in service or was licensed, it has to be handed over to the local police, as per protocol.
This comes days after reports stated that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the temple, planned to beef up security atop the hill, which included steps like increasing the number of CCTV cameras and metal detectors in the area.
The TTD is also gearing up for the annual Brahmotsavam of Lord Venkateswara. Srivari Brahmotsavam is one of the biggest annual events that is organized by the TTD and is held for nine days.
The presiding deity Lord Venkateswara is also carried around in a procession around the temple streets during the festivities.
The fete attracts a huge influx of pilgrims from across the country.