Thu Jan 09 04:07:16 UTC 2025: ## Six Dead in Tirupati Temple Stampede

**TIRUPATI, Andhra Pradesh –** Six devotees died and sixteen were injured in a stampede at Vishnu Niwasam in Tirupati on Friday, January 8th, 2025. The incident occurred during the distribution of tokens for the Vaikuntha Dwara Sarvadarshanam, a special 10-day darshan at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.

Witnesses reported a massive surge of devotees vying for the limited tokens, leading to a chaotic crush. Some accounts claim as many as 60 people fell on top of each other. Injured individuals were transported to Ruia Hospital. Visuals from the scene showed a heavy police presence and numerous ambulances.

While Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Board chairperson, BR Naidu, attributed the incident to an accident and denied any conspiracy, allegations of police negligence in crowd management have surfaced. Locals also allege delays in transporting the injured due to missing ambulance drivers. A probe has been launched into the handling of the crowd.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed their condolences and offered assistance to the victims and their families. Chief Minister Naidu announced he would visit Tirupati the following day. Prominent figures from various political parties, including Nara Lokesh (TDP) and Rahul Gandhi (Congress), also expressed their sorrow and called for improved safety measures. YS Sharmila of the Congress party specifically highlighted governance shortcomings as a potential cause.

The tokens were to be distributed at 5 am the following day, but large numbers of devotees had arrived earlier to secure their places in the queue. The incident has prompted calls for a thorough investigation and improved crowd management strategies for future religious events.

Read More