Thu Jan 09 21:51:06 UTC 2025: **Six Dead in Tirupati Temple Stampede; Andhra Pradesh Announces Compensation**

TIRUPATI, Andhra Pradesh—A stampede near the Vishnu Nivasam temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, on Wednesday claimed the lives of six devotees and injured several others. The incident occurred during the distribution of darshan tokens for the Vaikuntha Dwara at the Tirumala Srivari temple, resulting from severe overcrowding near the ticketing counter.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu visited the injured in the hospital and has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident. The state government announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹25 lakh (approximately $300,000 USD) to the families of each victim. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin also announced ₹2 lakh (approximately $24,000 USD) in assistance for a victim from Tamil Nadu.

Police have registered two FIRs following the incident. Eyewitnesses reported a chaotic rush when gates opened, with insufficient police control within the crowd. Many have criticized the lack of crowd management and security measures. Several high-profile officials, including the Deputy Chief Minister and various political leaders, have expressed condolences and pledged to take action against those responsible for any lapses in security. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple, acknowledged overcrowding as the cause of the tragedy and stated that a full report is forthcoming.

Read More