Tirupati, January 9: The death toll from the stampede during token distribution for Vaikunta Ekadasi darshan in Tirupati has risen to six. The tragedy unfolded as large crowds of devotees gathered at various counters on Wednesday (January 8), causing a chaotic rush. Several others were critically injured, while some fainted due to suffocation. The injured were promptly shifted to Ruia Hospital in Tirupati, where some remain in a critical condition. Officials fear the death toll may rise further.
District Collector, the Superintendent of Police, and other senior officials arrived at Ruia Hospital to assess the situation and oversee the treatment of the injured. Witnesses have alleged negligence on the part of ambulance drivers stationed at the counters, claiming they failed to respond promptly, which they believe could have saved more lives.
The stampede occurred as thousands of devotees flocked to collect tokens for the Vaikunta Dwara darshan scheduled from January 10 to 19. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) had opened token counters across eight locations in Tirupati, including Vishnu Nivasam, Srinivasam, and Padmavathi Park. Anticipating large crowds, the counters were to begin issuing tokens early on January 9, but devotees reportedly began assembling the previous evening.
The crowd at Vishnu Nivasam spiralled out of control, leading to the death of three women, including one from Salem, Tamil Nadu. Similar stampedes were reported at Alipiri, Satyanarayanapuram, and Padmavathi Park.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held an emergency meeting with senior officials, including the DGP, TTD EO, and the district administration, to review the incident. Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives, he criticised the apparent failure in crowd management despite advance knowledge of the expected turnout. The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure quality treatment for the injured and instructed a comprehensive review of the TTD’s crowd management and token distribution system.
CM Naidu also announced his plans to visit Tirupati on Thursday to meet the injured and review the arrangements personally. Meanwhile, the TTD has assured devotees that darshan will proceed as scheduled, but the tragic incident has cast a shadow over the Vaikunta Ekadasi festivities.
Authorities have intensified police deployment and vigilance at all counters to prevent further mishaps.
