The Tirupati stampede was a tragic incident that occurred on Wednesday night at a token distribution centre near MGM School in Tirupati, resulting in six deaths and over 40 injuries[1][2]. The stampede happened as hundreds of devotees were scrambling to get tickets for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple[1][2].
Key Details of the Incident:
- Location: Bairagipatteda centre in Tirupati
- Casualties: 6 people killed, over 40 injured[1][2]
- Cause: Poor crowd management and premature opening of gates[1]
Government Response:
- Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced:
- Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia for families of deceased
- Rs 2 lakh for injured victims
- Ordered a judicial inquiry
- Suspended two officials, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police[2]
Survivor Account:
A survivor, D Venkata Lakshmi, recounted the horrific moment, saying “for five minutes we thought all of us were dead” and described how people were uncontrollable, walking over others and pushing each other[3].
The incident has raised serious concerns about crowd management and safety measures during major religious events at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)[1].
Citations:
[1] https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2025/Jan/09/tirupati-stampede-how-poor-planning-security-lapses-led-to-fatal-tragedy
[2] https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/tirupati-stampede-cm-chandrababu-naidu-announces-rs-25-lakh-ex-gratia-for-kin-of-deceased-orders-judicial-inquiry-460200-2025-01-09
[3] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/for-five-minutes-we-thought-we-were-dead-tirupati-stampede-survivor-recounts-horrific-incident/articleshow/117084818.cms
[4] https://india.timeinbharat.com
[5] https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/tirupati-stampede-incident-judicial-inquiry-will-be-ordered-says-cm-chandrababu-naidu-2025-01-09-970462
[6] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c86w65e1vy5o
[7] https://economictimes.com/news/india/tirupati-stampede-andhra-cm-naidu-announces-rs-25-lakh-compensation-promises-action/amp_articleshow/117089250.cms
