Wed Jan 08 18:00:00 UTC 2025: **Tirupati Stampede Leaves Several Devotees Dead; CM Expresses Grief**
TIRUPATI, INDIA—A stampede during the distribution of tokens for the Vaikuntha Dwaram darshan at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati resulted in the death of several devotees. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock and grief over the incident, stating it deeply disturbed him.
The CM spoke with officials regarding the medical treatment being provided to the injured. He is personally overseeing the situation, constantly communicating with the district collector and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials. He has dispatched senior officials to the site to supervise rescue efforts and ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care.
Naidu is scheduled to visit Tirupati today to personally assess the situation and visit the injured in the hospital. He has conducted a review meeting on the incident, blaming the deaths on the negligence of some officials. He reported that six devotees died in the stampede and announced compensation for the families of the victims. He expressed anger at the officials for failing to take adequate precautionary measures given the anticipated large crowds. He questioned why arrangements weren’t made according to the expected number of devotees.
The CM has called for a thorough review of the TTD’s token distribution counters and security arrangements to prevent similar tragedies in the future. He emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and responsibility from officials during such events. He stated that the incident caused him immense sorrow, especially following a successful event in Visakhapatnam. The number of casualties is being monitored to prevent further loss of life.
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