Thu Jan 09 20:34:07 UTC 2025: **Tirumala Stampede Leaves Six Dead, Dozens Injured; Pawan Kalyan’s Hospital Visit Creates Chaos**
TIRUPATI, INDIA – A stampede at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam temple on Wednesday night resulted in the deaths of six people and injuries to over 60 others. The injured were rushed to Ruia Hospital in Tirupati for treatment, causing widespread concern across the Telugu states. The Andhra Pradesh government announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹25 lakh to the families of the deceased and is providing medical care to the injured.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan visited Ruia Hospital on Thursday to offer his condolences to the victims. However, his visit unexpectedly drew a large crowd of his enthusiastic fans, overwhelming security personnel. Despite Kalyan’s appeal for calm and his statement that his visit was for condolences, not a political meeting, the crowd remained unruly.
A video circulating on social media shows Kalyan expressing anger at his fans, stating, “People have died, and you are not even sad? This is not a time to celebrate.” His frustration stemmed from the disruptive behavior of fans, who, according to reports, have been persistently seeking film updates during his public appearances, leading to concerns about his safety and public appearances. The incident highlights the challenges faced by public figures attempting to balance public service with the demands of their fanbase.
First Piper 