Thu Jan 09 15:34:06 UTC 2025: **Tirupati Stampede Kills Six, Raises Concerns Over Crowd Control**
TIRUPATI, Andhra Pradesh – Six devotees were killed and over 40 injured in a stampede at the Tirupati temple on the eve of the Vaikuntha Ekadasi festival. The incident occurred during the distribution of darshan tokens, when the opening of a gate to accommodate a sick woman triggered a surge of pilgrims.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is visiting Tirupati today to assess the situation and meet with injured victims. The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh (approximately $33,000 USD) for the families of each deceased.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as devotees were pushed and trampled. One grieving husband recounted his desperate search for his wife, who perished in the stampede, after being separated in the crush. Other pilgrims reported long waits, poor crowd management by police, and a lack of control as people surged forward when gates opened.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board Member Bhanu Prakash Reddy expressed regret and stated that an investigation will be launched, promising strict action against any officials found responsible. He confirmed that the 30 injured pilgrims admitted to SVIMS Tirupati hospital are out of danger. While the TTD apologized, criticism of the temple’s crowd management protocols is mounting. Concerns are being raised about the lack of orderly procedures for token distribution, with some suggesting that the earlier system was better.
The incident has highlighted the need for improved safety measures and crowd control strategies at the temple, which regularly attracts large numbers of pilgrims. Minister of Endowments Anam Ramanarayana Reddy has also arrived in Tirupati to oversee relief efforts. The Chief Minister has ordered his administration to provide immediate relief and to supervise the situation personally.
First Piper 