Tirupati: 6 die, many injured in stampede during distribution of tokens

In Andhar Pradesh, six people died in a stampede at Vishnu Niwasam at Tirupati during the distribution of tokens for Vaikuntha Dwara Sarvadarshanam - a special 'darshan' for devotees for a period of 10 days, starting Friday. 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.

Watch: A stampede broke out in Tirupati after a dispute over Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan ticket issuance, leaving several injured. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment pic.twitter.com/VJRxOHJSuL

— IANS (@ians_india) January 8, 2025

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said he was "deeply disturbed" and ordered officials to ensure proper relief measures for those injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his condolences to the relatives of those dead in the incident.

Pained by the stampede in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon. The AP Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 8, 2025

On January 10, the darshan will begin with protocol darshan at 4.30 am, followed by Sarva Darshan at 8 am. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also paid condolences to the relatives of the victims.

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

Former Chief Minister and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed deep shock and grief over the deaths of devotees at the token distribution centre at Tirupati.