Sat Jan 11 07:28:24 UTC 2025: ## Tirupati Temple Offers Compensation After Stampede

**TIRUPATI, January 11, 2025** – The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board announced significant compensation packages for victims of a recent stampede at the Tirupati temple, which resulted in six deaths. An emergency meeting held Friday yielded a decision to provide ₹25 lakh to the families of each deceased, ₹5 lakh for those critically injured, and ₹2 lakh for those with minor injuries. The board will also provide outsourced employment to one family member of each deceased and cover their children’s education expenses.

TTD Chairperson B.R. Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating that there were no lapses in the darshan token distribution arrangements and promising stringent measures to prevent future occurrences. While he acknowledged calls for a public apology, Mr. Naidu questioned the practicality of such a gesture. He stated that he had already apologized through the media and that the social media discussions surrounding the issue were based on false narratives.

However, internal disagreements within the TTD board surfaced. Member G. Bhanuprakash Reddy criticized officials for unilateral decision-making regarding darshan tokens and a lack of transparency with the trustees. He asserted that all decisions should be collective and that he had brought these concerns to the Chief Minister’s attention. The Chairperson acknowledged ongoing judicial inquiries into the matter.

The duration of the upcoming Vaikunta Dwara Darshan festival remains under review, pending consultation with Agama scholars, following directives from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to respect established traditions. Despite these internal tensions, several board members announced their own financial support for the stampede victims’ families. The Vaikunta Ekadasi festival will proceed as planned for 10 days.

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