Tirupati Stampede: A Devotional Gathering Turns Tragic
A stampede near Tirupati&rsquo;s Vishnu Nivasam resulted in the death of six devotees and left at least 29 others injured during the distribution of Vaikunta Dwara Sarva Darshan tokens on Wednesday. The incident occurred as hundreds of pilgrims crowded the location to secure tokens for the sacred 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, scheduled to commence on January 10.
According to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials, arrangements had been made to distribute 1.20 lakh tokens starting Thursday at 5:30 am from 94 counters set up across Vishnu Nivasam, Srinivasam, Bhudevi Complexes, and other centers such as Satyanarayanapuram and Bairagipatteda. However, anxious devotees began thronging the premises on Wednesday itself, leading to overcrowding.
The stampede claimed the life of a woman devotee from Salem district, Tamil Nadu, who suffocated in the chaos. Emergency services rushed to the scene, rescuing many trapped in the melee. Injured devotees were transported to SVR Ruia Hospital, where three succumbed to injuries. Critically injured victims were later transferred to SVIMS Hospital, but two more could not be saved.
Visuals from the site show a sea of devotees jostling for space, while police officials struggled to manage the surging crowd. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
TTD Chairman visited the Sri Venkateswara Ramnarayan Ruia Government General Hospital to meet with the injured and assess their condition. Speaking to the media, TTD Board Member Bhanu Prakash Reddy stated that around 40 individuals had been injured and were receiving treatment.
TTD had announced the distribution of tokens across nine centers in Tirupati and Tirumala for darshans scheduled on January 10, 11, and 12. Despite these measures, the overwhelming turnout caused the tragic incident.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday announced an ex-gratia of ₹25 lakh to the families of six devotees who died in the stampede on Wednesday night. State Revenue Minister A Satyaprasad made the announcement after a ministerial team called on the families of the deceased at Ruia Hospital.

Overcrowding at the Tirupati temple during token distribution led to stampede tragedy

CM N Chandrababu Naidu announces ₹25L ex-gratia to deceased devotees

Tirupati Temple Stampede: 6 Dead, Dozens Injured in Tragic Incident

CM N Chandrababu Naidu announces ₹25L ex-gratia to deceased devotees

January 9, 2025 | 06:06 IST