Fri Jan 10 04:54:10 UTC 2025: ## Tirupati Stampede Claims Six Lives, Dozens Injured

**TIRUPATI, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA** – A tragic stampede at the Vishnu Nivasam in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, resulted in the deaths of six pilgrims and injuries to at least 40 others on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred during the distribution of tokens for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, a 10-day religious event at the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple beginning January 10th.

Hundreds of devotees surged forward, creating a chaotic scene as they jostled for the limited tickets. Videos from the scene depict a sea of people struggling for space, with police struggling to control the overwhelming crowd. One grieving husband, Venkatesh, recounted how he discovered his wife Shanthi’s death through a viral video after frantically searching hospitals following the stampede.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock and pain at the incident, visiting the site and the hospital where the injured were being treated. He announced the suspension of two officials for failing to ensure smooth operations and admitted to loopholes in the monitoring system. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also visited the injured in the hospital.

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, including former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and former minister Gudivada Amarnath, who blamed the state government for the tragedy, citing administrative failures. Former TTD Chairman Bhuma Karunakar Reddy also condemned the incident as a result of administrative failings.

The Tirupati East Police have filed two FIRs in relation to the incident. The TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) has offered its apologies and pledged to conduct a thorough investigation. Condolence messages poured in from across the country, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and numerous other political leaders. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced financial assistance for the family of a victim from Salem district.

The TTD had set up 91 counters to distribute 1.2 lakh tokens, but the unexpectedly large number of devotees arriving well in advance overwhelmed the system, leading to the devastating stampede. Authorities are now reviewing security measures and protocols to prevent future tragedies.

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