*Tirupati, September 29, 2024*: Devotees walking the Srivari Mettu, one of the main footpaths leading to the Tirumala temple, were struck with fear as a cheetah was spotted roaming the area late last night. The big cat’s sudden appearance near the control room created commotion, with security officials on high alert.The incident occurred when the cheetah wandered into the control room, startling the staff. A group of stray dogs nearby chased the cheetah, prompting it to retaliate. The tense encounter was captured on CCTV footage, which later alerted forest and security officials in the area.This latest sighting has heightened concerns among devotees who walk the Srivari Mettu at night, fearing further encounters with wild animals. Forest officials have been informed, and they are expected to take immediate action to monitor and prevent such incidents. Security has been ramped up along the footpath to ensure the safety of pilgrims, as wildlife activity near the sacred route continues to pose challenges. Devotees have been advised to remain cautious, especially during nighttime hours, as the cheetah sighting is the second in recent weeks, sparking renewed fears of wild animal movement in the vicinity.