6 Die In Stampede At Tirupati During Distribution Of Tokens To Offer Prayers

Six people died in a stampede at Vishnu Niwasam at Tirupati during the distribution of Vaikunthadwara Sarvadarshanam token.

A massive rush of devotees attempting to secure tokens resulted in the stampede. One of the devotees was from Tamil Nadu’s Salem. Sixteen people were injured during the incident and were taken to the Ruia Hospital for treatment.

Visuals showed heavy police presence in the area and several people being shifted to ambulances. Witnesses said as many as 60 people fell on each other while collecting tokens at the counter. The massive rush led to the stampede. Devotees are angry that the stampede in Tirupati was caused by police Negligence

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Board chairperson, BR Naidu, ruled out any conspiracy and said it was an accident. “I had suspected something could go wrong and warned officials not to take it easy. There were rumours spread that not everyone may be allowed in Tirumala,” Mr Reddy said.

“The death of several devotees in a stampede near Vishnu Niwasam in Tirupati for tokens to visit Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara has shocked me. This tragic incident, which took place at a time when devotees had gathered in large numbers for tokens, deeply disturbed me,” Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said.