Tirupati—A tragic stampede claimed six lives and left over 40 injured on Wednesday evening during the distribution of ‘Vaikunthadwara Darshan’ tokens near the Vishnu Niwasam counter at the Tirumala Srivari Temple. The incident, attributed to overcrowding and poor crowd management, has raised serious concerns about safety protocols during high-attendance religious events.
What Happened?
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) began distributing 1.2 lakh darshan tokens at 94 counters across nine centers, including Vishnu Niwasam, Srinivasam, and Padmavati Park, for the Ekadasi darshan on January 10. Around 8 PM, chaos erupted when gates were opened to assist an unwell devotee, prompting a surge from thousands of devotees waiting since morning. The sudden crowd movement led to stampedes at two locations.
Overcrowding Cited as Primary Cause
TTD Chairman BR Naidu called the incident “unfortunate” and attributed the stampede to overcrowding. Speaking after visiting the injured at the Sri Venkateswara Ramnarayan Ruia Government General Hospital, Naidu promised a detailed investigation and immediate action to prevent similar incidents.
Victims and Injuries
- Six pilgrims lost their lives, with only one victim identified so far.
- Over 40 injured individuals are undergoing treatment, with some in critical condition.
- Victims reportedly include devotees from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
TTD and Government’s Response
- Apologies and Promises: TTD Board Member Bhanu Prakash Reddy apologized for the mishap, assuring an inquiry and appropriate action.
- CM Chandrababu Naidu’s Oversight: The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister expressed dissatisfaction with event management and will meet with victims’ families on Thursday morning.
- The CM has emphasized that such incidents must not recur and is monitoring updates closely.
The Way Forward
This tragedy highlights the urgent need for improved crowd control mechanisms during religious events at high-footfall locations. Digital token systems, better-trained personnel, and stricter entry controls must be prioritized to ensure the safety of devotees.
As authorities prepare a detailed report, the focus remains on supporting victims and implementing measures to restore confidence in TTD’s management practices.
