- A stampede occurred near the Vishnu Niwasam area close to the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticketing counter in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, during the distribution of ‘darshan’ tokens for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshan event.
- The tragedy resulted in the death of six people, with 40 others injured.
- The stampede happened as large crowds gathered to collect darshan tokens for the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple‘s Vaikunta Dwara Darshan, which is scheduled from January 10 to 19.
Official Responses:
- President Droupadi Murmu expressed her distress over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she also wished for the speedy recovery of those injured. She stated:
- “Distressed to know that a stampede in Tirupati led to the loss of life of many devotees. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for a speedy recovery of the injured.”
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy (not Chandrababu Naidu) also condoled the deaths and is expected to meet the families of the deceased later in the day.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and assured that the state government is providing all possible assistance to the victims.
Cause of the Incident:
- The stampede occurred due to the heavy congestion at the token distribution centers in Tirupati, as large numbers of devotees arrived to collect their darshan tokens. By the end of the day on Wednesday, a significant crowd had gathered at all the centers, which led to the stampede.
Tirumala Temple Arrangements:
- The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) announced that offline tokens for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshan would be distributed from Thursday, with nine token distribution centers set up in Tirupati.
- The Vaikunta Dwara Darshan event allows devotees to pass through the sacred gate of the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple to receive blessings from Lord Venkateswara.
Summary: The stampede in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, led to the tragic loss of six lives and injuries to 40 others. The incident occurred amid large crowds gathered for the distribution of tokens for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshan at the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy have expressed condolences and assured support to the victims’ families.