Fri Jan 10 01:11:19 UTC 2025: **Tirupati Stampede Kills Six, Injures Dozens**

TIRUPATI, Andhra Pradesh— A stampede at a token distribution center for the Vaikuntha Dwara Darshanam at Tirupati on January 9, 2025, resulted in the deaths of six pilgrims and injuries to at least 48 others. The incident occurred in the Bairagipatteda area near the TTD MGM school. Five of the deceased were women.

The stampede erupted when a large number of devotees, who had been waiting for hours to receive tokens for the special darshan, surged forward after the gates opened. A lack of coordination between police and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials is being cited as a contributing factor.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed his deep sorrow and anger at the incident, announcing the suspension of DSP Ramana Kumar and Gosala In-charge Harinath Reddy for negligence. He also ordered a judicial inquiry into the tragedy and will visit Tirupati to meet with victims and oversee the situation. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also expressed remorse, apologizing for the incident and calling for reform within the TTD. He suggested that TTD officials visit the families of the victims to offer their apologies. Former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy also visited the injured in the hospital.

The TTD had made arrangements for pilgrims from across the country, anticipating large crowds during the Sankranti festival. However, the massive influx of devotees overwhelmed the system, leading to the tragic outcome. Police have registered cases under section 194 of BNS. The Chief Security Officer, Sridhar, has been transferred, and SP Subbarayudu has also been transferred. The TTD has stated that token distribution continues at nine centers with 94 counters, issuing 120,000 tokens over three days. Following the incident, a control room (08772236007) has been established at the Tirupati District Collectorate to provide information regarding injured pilgrims. The government has announced compensation of ₹25 lakh each to the families of the deceased. The incident drew widespread condemnation from politicians across party lines, including the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, who expressed condolences and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

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