Thu Jan 09 05:10:57 UTC 2025: **Tirupati Stampede Leaves Several Dead, Dozens Injured**
TIRUPATI, Andhra Pradesh – A stampede at a token distribution center for Vaikuntha Dwara Darshanam at Tirupati’s MG School resulted in the death of at least one person and injuries to 48 others on January 9, 2025. The incident occurred during the annual Sankranti festival, when thousands of devotees gather to receive tokens for the special darshan at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.
According to reports, a lack of coordination between police and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) officials led to the tragedy. Devotees, having waited for hours, rushed towards the gates when they opened, causing a crush. The absence of barricades near the Bairagipatteda center exacerbated the situation.
A preliminary investigation suggests that the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ramana Kumar’s action of opening a gate to allow the passage of a sick devotee triggered the stampede. Devotees misinterpreting this action as the commencement of token distribution rushed forward, resulting in the chaos. The delayed arrival of an ambulance further compounded the situation. The TTD chairman, B.R. Naidu, attributed the incident to official negligence. A report submitted to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also pointed to the DSP’s actions and the ambulance driver’s absence as contributing factors.
The TTD commenced token distribution earlier than scheduled due to the massive crowd that gathered since Wednesday morning. The TTD chairman expressed his condolences and assured assistance to the affected families. An ex-gratia payment is expected to be announced by the Chief Minister after a review meeting. TTD officials, including the chairman and EO Shyamala Rao, visited the injured in various hospitals and assured them of the best possible medical care. A full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident and to hold those responsible accountable.
First Piper 