Tirupati Stampede: Six Lives Lost, Several Injured as Devotees Jostle for Darshan Tokens

Tirupati Stampede: Six Lives Lost, Several Injured as Devotees Jostle for Darshan Tokens

In a tragic incident at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, a stampede broke out near Vishnu Nivasam on Wednesday evening during the distribution of Vaikunta Dwara Sarva Darshan tokens. The mishap claimed six lives and left more than 40 injured. The incident occurred as a large number of devotees gathered to secure tokens for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, which starts on January 10.

Key Updates:

• Former Ministers Call It a ‘Black Day’: Ex-Andhra Pradesh minister Gudivada Amarnath criticized the TDP government, labeling the tragedy a failure of administration and a dark day in the history of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
• CM Chandrababu Naidu Inspects Site: The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister visited the scene of the incident on Thursday, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives. A review meeting has been scheduled to address the situation.
• Tamil Nadu CM Announces Aid: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced ₹2 lakh as financial assistance for the family of a victim from Salem district who lost their life in the stampede.
• Two FIRs Filed: Families of the victims have registered two separate complaints with the Tirupati East Police.
• President Droupadi Murmu Expresses Condolences: The President shared her grief over the incident, offering heartfelt prayers for the victims and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
• Overcrowding Cited as Cause: TTD Chairman BR Naidu attributed the tragedy to overcrowding during token distribution. He assured that an inquiry would be conducted to prevent such incidents in the future.
• TTD Board Member Apologizes: Bhanu Prakash Reddy, a TTD board member, publicly apologized to devotees, stating that such an incident is unprecedented in TTD’s history.

Investigation and Relief Efforts

TTD Executive Officer Shyamala Rao confirmed that an investigation is underway. The injured are being treated at Sri Venkateswara Ramnarayan Ruia Government General Hospital. Additional officials, including ministers, are set to visit the site and meet the families of the deceased.

Leaders React

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating that all possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi also shared their grief, urging swift recovery for the injured.

The Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, scheduled from January 10 to 19 at the Sri Venkateswara Temple, will proceed with increased safety measures to ensure the well-being of devotees.