Fri Jan 10 14:04:45 UTC 2025: **Tirupati Temple Stampede Leaves Six Dead, Sparks Inquiry and Apologies**
TIRUPATI, Andhra Pradesh – A stampede at the famed Tirupati Venkateswara Swamy Temple on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of six pilgrims and injuries to 35 others, prompting a judicial inquiry and apologies from top state officials. The incident occurred at Bairagi Patteda as devotees rushed for tickets to the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, a 10-day religious event beginning January 10.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who visited the site and the injured in hospital, ordered the immediate transfer and suspension of several senior officials, including the Tirupati Superintendent of Police, for negligence in crowd management. He blamed a change in the temple’s ticket distribution system implemented by the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government, alleging it contributed to the tragedy. Naidu announced ₹25 lakh ex gratia to the families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for the injured, with additional compensation for those severely hurt.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan offered a profuse apology to the nation and the Hindu community for the incident, placing responsibility on the Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) executive officer and joint executive officer.
Former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, of the YSRCP, criticized the current government’s handling of the situation, alleging insufficient crowd management and security, and demanding higher compensation for the victims’ families. He further claimed that police resources were diverted to provide security for the Chief Minister elsewhere, leaving Tirupati understaffed.
Police have registered two cases under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which pertains to unnatural deaths. The judicial inquiry will investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede and determine any further culpability.
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