Tirupati:Andhra Pradesh CM Visits Stampede Sites
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday visited the sites in Tirupati where two stampedes tragically claimed six lives during the token distribution for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam at Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple. The incidents, which also left 48 injured, have raised critical questions about the arrangements for managing massive gatherings during religious events.
Upon landing at Renigunta Airport, CM Naidu immediately proceeded to the affected locations, Vishnu Nivasam and Padmavati Park, accompanied by ministers and top officials. During his visit, the Chief Minister reviewed the situation and expressed deep dissatisfaction with the lack of foresight and preparedness shown by authorities. He questioned the District Collector, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) officials, and police authorities about their failure to anticipate the large influx of devotees and ensure adequate preventive measures.
Call for Accountability and Technological Interventions
At Vishnu Nivasam, CM Naidu held discussions with TTD Executive Officer Shyamala Rao, emphasizing the need for advanced technological interventions and efficient crowd management strategies to prevent such tragedies in the future. He directed TTD officials to implement robust systems for crowd control and smooth token distribution for major events like the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam.
“The safety of devotees is of paramount importance. Incidents like these must never happen again,” CM Naidu stated, urging for better planning and accountability from all stakeholders involved in organizing such large-scale religious events.
Visit to Hospitals and Assurance of Support
The Chief Minister also visited the TTD-run SVIMS Hospital, where many of the injured victims are undergoing treatment. Of the 48 injured, 35 devotees were transferred to SVIMS Hospital from SVR Ruia Hospital for advanced care. CM Naidu met with the victims and assured them of comprehensive government support for their recovery.
State ministers, including Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, and Revenue Minister Anagani Satya Prasad, accompanied the Chief Minister during the hospital visit. They offered condolences to the bereaved families and support to the injured devotees.
Also Read:Tragic Stampede at Tirupati Temple: What Led to the Loss of Six Lives
Ex-Gratia Announced for Families of the Deceased
The Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday announced an ex-gratia of ₹25 lakh each to the kin of the deceased devotees who lost their lives in the stampede. Revenue Minister Anagani Satya Prasad officially conveyed this decision, reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting the affected families.
The bodies of the six deceased devotees were identified and sent to their respective hometowns after autopsies were conducted. Ministers and officials assured grieving families that all necessary support would be extended to them during this difficult time.
Police Investigation and the Way Forward
Meanwhile, police have registered two cases in connection with the stampedes at Padmavati Park and Vishnu Nivasam. Preliminary investigations point to inadequate crowd control measures and unanticipated surges in devotee turnout as the primary reasons for the tragic incidents.
The incidents underscore the urgent need for enhanced preparedness and the integration of technology to ensure the safety and well-being of devotees during major religious events. CM Naidu’s visit and the government’s swift response highlight the importance of accountability and the necessity for proactive measures in managing massive gatherings in the future.