Later speaking to media persons he expressed anguish over Barbers protest in Tirumala. AK Singhal said that they removed the barbers for having allegedly resorted to unethical practices such as collecting money from the pilgrims. He made it clear that any effort to tarnish the image of the institution would not be tolerated. He ruled out their reinstatement, saying that they failed to mend their ways despite being warned on several occasions.