Wed Jan 08 19:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Tirupati Stampede Leaves Six Dead, Conspiracy Theories Arise
**TIRUPATI, Andhra Pradesh** – A stampede during the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival in Tirupati on Wednesday night resulted in the deaths of six pilgrims and injuries to 48 others. The incident occurred amidst a large gathering of devotees seeking Vaikunta Darshan tickets. The injured are receiving treatment at Ruia and SVIMS hospitals.
The tragedy has sparked outrage and speculation, with social media rife with allegations of a conspiracy to undermine the state government’s image. These theories suggest the stampede was deliberately orchestrated to damage the ruling party’s reputation.
Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Anitha responded to these claims, stating that an investigation is underway to determine whether a conspiracy was involved. She assured the public that strict action will be taken against those found responsible, regardless of their position.
The state government has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹25 lakh to the families of each victim. Ministers Anugani Satyaprasad, Anitha, Parthasarathi, and Anam Ramanarayana Reddy have visited the families of the deceased and the injured in the hospital.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has confirmed that the quota for special darshan tokens has been filled. The investigation into the stampede continues.
First Piper 