Several protests against President Mahinda Rajapaksa's visit to Tirupati were foiled by Andhra Pradesh police. Rajapaksa arrived at the famous hill temple of Lord Venkateswara at Tirupati on Tuesday as part of his two-day pilgrimage. He is expected to offer prayers at the famous Tirumala temple there early Wednesday morning.

Fearing protests from Tamil groups, the district police had made unprecedented security arrangements for Mr. Rajapaksa’s visit, Indian media reported. Forces were deployed at Renigunta, Tirupati and Tirumala, the reports further said.

Andhra Pradesh police on Tuesday prevented several activists from Tamil Nadu, who wanted to stage a protest against the visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the temple town of Tirupati, from entering the state, PTI reported.

Police stopped a convoy of 75 vehicles, carrying over 250 persons including women, on Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border near Sullurpet in the district.

The protesters, carrying placards and flags, had shouted slogans against Rajapaksa before heading back to Tamil Nadu, Deputy Superintendent of Police B Srinivas told PTI.

Andhra police have tightened security in the border areas. The roads leading Tirupati from Tamil Nadu have been closed.

"A full-fledged security arrangement has been made. Rajapaksa is scheduled to fly back to Sri Lanka tomorrow after offering prayers to Lord Balaji," Deputy Superintendent of Police Ravishankar Reddy has told PTI.

Meanwhile on Tuesday morning, a person identified as Kumaran from Tiruvallur was picked up by the police at the Renigunta railway station, The Hindu reported. Believed to be a sympathiser of the Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi, he has shouted slogans against Mr. Rajapaksa and the Sri Lankan government’s ‘genocide’ of Tamils. Some protesters, believed to be members of the VCK, were arrested at the Ambedkar Circle in the city when they tried to hold a demonstration, The Hindu also said.