Tirupati stampede: CM Naidu offers condolences, to visit victims’ families

Amravati, Andhra Pradesh: The stampede near the famous Tirupati temple has claimed the lives of six people and left many others injured. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, close to the Vishnu Niwasam area near the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticketing counter, where pilgrims were receiving ‘darshan’ tokens.

According to officials from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the stampede broke out during the distribution of tokens for temple visits. The current death toll stands at six, with one victim identified and the others still awaiting identification. In total, around 40 people were injured in the incident and are receiving treatment at the Sri Venkateswara Ramnarayan Ruia Government General Hospital in Tirupati.

CM Naidu closely monitoring situation

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is closely following the situation and has expressed his deep concern over the incident. In a statement from the office of TTD Chairman BR Naidu, the Chief Minister condemned the poor management of the event and expressed his dissatisfaction during a teleconference with officials.

The statement reads, “It is an unfortunate event, 6 pilgrims lost their lives. So far, only one pilgrim has been identified, while the others are yet to be identified. N Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is very serious about the incident and has expressed dissatisfaction with the officials' management during a teleconference. The Chief Minister will visit the families of the deceased tomorrow at 11:45 am. CM has warned that such incidents should not be repeated and is closely monitoring updates on the issue.”

The statement further revealed that CM Naidu plans to visit the families of the victims tomorrow at 11:45 am to offer condolences. He has also warned that such incidents should not be allowed to happen again, vowing to closely monitor updates as the situation unfolds.

TTD Chairman, officials express grief

In the aftermath of the incident, TTD Chairman BR Naidu visited the hospital in the late hours of Wednesday to check on the condition of the injured and to gather updates from doctors. TTD Board Member Bhanu Prakash Reddy addressed the media, expressing his regret over the tragic event. He apologised to the pilgrims and assured the public that a thorough inquiry would be conducted.

Reddy mentioned, “...To distribute tokens for 'Ekadasi Darshan', we opened 91 counters... it is unfortunate that the stampede happened. 6 devotees died in the stampede, 40 have sustained injuries, and we are providing the best medical facilities possible. This has never happened in TTD history. I sincerely seek an apology from the devotees. We will conduct an inquiry and take serious action... tomorrow morning, CM and state Health Minister will visit Tirupati....”

TTD Executive Officer Shyamala Rao confirmed the death toll has increased to six, with 40 injured pilgrims receiving medical attention. The authorities have promised to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident.

Agency