Tragedy Strikes in Tirupati: 6 Dead in Devastating Stampede at Special Darshan Ticketing Center

Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh: A tragic stampede unfolded at Tirupati's Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan ticketing center, leaving six people dead and several others injured. The incident occurred during the chaos of thousands of devotees queuing up for tokens to attend the 10-day special darshan event starting January 10. With over 4,000 devotees present, panic ensued when the crowd surged uncontrollably.

The deadly stampede took place at Bairagi Pattida Park near the ticketing counters, prompting immediate response from local officials. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, expressing deep concern, ordered urgent relief measures and vowed to ensure better treatment for the injured.

Prominent political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Chief Ministers YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Arvind Kejriwal, conveyed their condolences, mourning the tragic loss. Modi offered prayers for the injured, while political leaders from Congress raised concerns over the inadequate planning for such high-profile religious events.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is now under scrutiny as district authorities, including TTD members and other officials, continue to assess the situation at Ruya Hospital and ensure that victims are well taken care of.

Authorities have also planned a detailed review of the management and security measures ahead of the upcoming religious event.

The spiritual rituals for Vaikuntha Ekadasi will proceed as scheduled, starting with protocol darshan on January 10 at 4:30 AM.