At least six people were killed and dozens injured in a stampede in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, on January 8, 2025. The stampede occurred during the Vaikuntha Ekadasi festival, a significant Hindu event where pilgrims gather in large numbers to seek darshan (viewing) of Lord Venkateswara.
The victims included at least three women, and many of the injured were from Tamil Nadu. 30 individuals were rushed to Ruia Hospital with serious injuries. The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered an inquiry into the incident, and officials are investigating the events that led to the tragic loss of lives.
#AndhraPradesh : #TirupatiStampede
At least 4 people were killed and several others injured in a #Stampede at the ticket counters in #Tirupati , for #VaikuntaDwaraDarshan at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on #Tirumala Hills. Death toll may increase. Three women and one man… pic.twitter.com/jMsTwJI3Kf
— Surya Reddy (@jsuryareddy) January 8, 2025
The Incident at the Token Counters
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) had set up special counters to distribute tokens for darshan on the occasion of Vaikuntha Ekadasi at MGM High School, located near Vishnu Nivasam Temple. Pilgrims began gathering at these counters in the morning, with the crowd growing as the day went on. By evening, the crowd became increasingly unruly, with people pushing and jostling to secure their tokens.
Trigger for the Stampede
According to B.R. Naidu, the chairman of TTD, the stampede was triggered when a gate was opened to let out a woman who was feeling unwell. As soon as the gate opened, the gathered devotees surged forward, leading to the tragic stampede.
Official Responses and Actions
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sadness over the incident, announcing plans to visit Tirumala and provide ex-gratia payments to the families of the deceased. He also directed officials to ensure the best medical care for the injured. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha emphasized the need for special attention to the safety of women, children, and the elderly amidst the large crowds.
Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also condemned the incident and urged the government to ensure the best treatment for the injured. Former TTD chairman Bhuma Karunakar Reddy criticized the state government for what he termed an administrative failure, citing the lack of proper crowd management.
Vaikuntha Ekadasi Festival and Its Scale
The Vaikuntha Ekadasi festival is one of the most important religious events for Hindus, attracting millions of devotees over a period of ten days. The event draws huge crowds, with special darshan tokens issued to manage the massive influx of people. The incident in Tirupati highlights the difficulties of managing such large gatherings and the need for improved infrastructure and safety protocols.
Updates (9-01-2025)
The Andhra Pradesh government has declared an ex-gratia of ₹25 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased following a tragic stampede in Tirupati. The incident occurred at distribution centers for Vaikunta Ekadasi darshan tokens on Wednesday night, resulting in the loss of six lives and injuring 41 others.
Ministers Visit the Bereaved Families
Revenue Minister Anagani Satya Prasad, along with Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, and I&PR Minister K. Parthasarathy, visited the grieving families and those injured at SVIMS and SVR Ruia Government General Hospitals in Tirupati. The ministers assured the families of comprehensive support and listened to the heart-wrenching accounts of the tragedy.
Details of the Deceased
The six victims of the stampede were:
- S. Lavanya (38): A homemaker from Thatichettipalem, Visakhapatnam.
- Malliga (50): A homemaker from Mettur, Salem district, Tamil Nadu.
- Buddeti Naidu Babu (55): A lab assistant at Narsipatnam railway station.
- Kandipalli Santhi (33): A daily wage earner from Kancharapalem highway, Visakhapatnam.
- G. Rajini (47): A homemaker from Maddilapalem, Visakhapatnam.
- V. Nirmala (55): A resident of Vellarankalmedu near Vannamada, Kerala.
Injuries and Medical Assistance
Of the 41 individuals injured, 20 have been discharged after treatment, while 21 are still under care, with some suffering severe injuries such as fractures. All injured individuals were transferred from SVR Ruia Hospital to SVIMS for advanced medical care.
Legal Action Initiated
A complaint regarding the stampede has been lodged by the Narayanavanam Tahsildar with the Tirupati East Police Station. A case has been registered under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita, initiating legal proceedings on the matter.
TTD’s Role
TTD Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao visited the injured at SVIMS to assess their condition and ensure they receive adequate medical support.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on news reports and information available at the time of writing. The facts may evolve as further investigations unfold.
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