Arrangements were made for the distribution of 1,20,000 tokens to devotees for “sarva darshan” (free darshan) of Lord Venkateshwara Swamy during the first three days of the annual event, from January 10 to 12.
New Delhi: As many as six people lost their lives and several others were injured after a stampede broke out near Vishnu Niwasam close to the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticketing counter, during the distribution of ‘darshan’ tokens on Wednesday. As per the reports, arrangements were made for the distribution of 1,20,000 tokens to devotees for “sarva darshan” (free darshan) of Lord Venkateshwara Swamy during the first three days of the annual event, from January 10 to 12.
The token distribution for the 10-day festival was scheduled to commence at 5 am on Thursday. However, large crowds began gathering at the counters the night before, according to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which oversees temple operations. Officials confirmed that 94 counters were established across various locations, including Vishnu Nivasam, Srinivasam, and Bhudevi pilgrim accommodations, as well as at Satyanarayanapuram, Bairagipatteda, and Ramanaidu School in Tirupati.
The situation went out of control when a crowd of 4,000 to 5,000 gathered at the token distribution counter at MGM High School, near Vishnu Nivasam temple, on Wednesday morning. By evening, the crowd became unmanageable, leading to pushing and jolting. Meanwhile, TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu said that chaos erupted when a gate was opened to assist a woman who was feeling unwell, causing the crowd to rush forward uncontrollably. Inadequate crowd management arrangements led to a stampede later in the evening, resulting in the tragic death of at least six devotees and injuries to more than 40 others.
#WATCH | Tirupati stampede | Andhra Pradesh: Tirupati Municipal Commissioner Mourya says, “The situation was peaceful at every counter (to take tokens for darshan) except one at MGM school… a stampede occurred there…around 4000-5000 people came together at a time…it is… pic.twitter.com/V1dtqueYVG
— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2025
The incident drew the attention of several political leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolosence to those who lost their “near and dear ones.” Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that the incident “deeply disturbed me.” Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi in a post on X (formerly Twitter) said, ” The tragic stampede in Tirupati is deeply saddening. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Wishing a swift recovery to all those injured.”
The tragic stampede in Tirupati is deeply saddening.
My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Wishing a swift recovery to all those injured.
I urge Congress leaders and workers to provide all possible assistance during this difficult time.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 8, 2025
