Wed Jan 08 22:31:09 UTC 2025: ## Tirupati Stampede Kills Six, Injures Many During Religious Festival
**TIRUPATI, Andhra Pradesh** – A stampede at the Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan ticketing centers in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, resulted in the deaths of six people and injuries to several others on Wednesday. The incident occurred amidst a massive crowd of over 4,000 devotees vying for tokens for the special 10-day Vaikuntha Ekadasi and Vaikuntha Dwara Darshanam religious event, organized by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
One victim has been identified as Mallika. Authorities are currently working to identify the remaining deceased. The injured are receiving treatment at Ruya Hospital, where officials, including Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s representatives, have visited to assess the situation and ensure adequate medical care.
Chief Minister Naidu expressed deep distress over the tragedy, ordering officials to provide immediate relief and support to the injured. He is scheduled to visit Tirupati today to meet with the injured and review the security measures at the TTD token counters. A high-level meeting is underway to address the incident and prevent future occurrences.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with several other political leaders including former Chief Ministers YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Arvind Kejriwal, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, offered their condolences to the victims’ families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
The incident has sparked political debate, with the opposition Congress party criticizing the state government for alleged inadequate planning and security arrangements. The TTD Chairman, BR Naidu, is expected to address the media following an emergency meeting. The Vaikuntha Dwara Darshanam is scheduled to continue until January 19th.
First Piper 