Tirupati Tragedy: CM Naidu Inspects Scene, Engages with Injured, Promises Accountability
Click to start listening
Tirupati, Jan 9 (NationPress) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced on Thursday the immediate suspension of two officials and the transfer of three others following the tragic stampede in Tirupati during the distribution of darshan tickets for the Tirumala temple, which claimed the lives of six devotees.
Naidu confirmed that a judicial inquiry will be initiated into the stampede that transpired at two locations on Wednesday night as a crowd surged for tickets to the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple.
After personally visiting the site of the incident, attending to the injured at SVIMS Hospital, and holding a review meeting with officials from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), the Chief Minister addressed the media and revealed the suspensions and transfers.
The Deputy Superintendent of Police Ramana Kumar and Goshala director Harnath Reddy were suspended due to neglect of duty.
The Chief Minister also disclosed the transfer of Superintendent of Police Subbaraidu, TTD Joint Executive Officer Gautami, and Chief Security Officer Sridhar.
Naidu stated that the families of the deceased will receive compensation of Rs 25 lakh each from TTD. Furthermore, one family member of each deceased individual will be offered a contract job.
Additionally, two women who suffered severe injuries will be compensated with Rs 5 lakh each.
Moreover, 33 other injured individuals will receive Rs 2 lakh each.
Despite their injuries, the devotees expressed their desire to have darshan. The TTD has organized a special darshan for them on Friday.
The Chief Minister expressed his sorrow upon learning about the stampede, stating, "As a devotee, I believe such incidents should never occur in Tirupati. I met with the victims at the hospital and we accept the responsibility to uphold the sanctity of Tirumala," he remarked.
Naidu emphasized that politics should not interfere in this matter, urging the community to collectively serve the sacred temple.
He noted that devotees shared with him that while they could wait in queues for 36 hours on Tirumala Hills, enduring the same wait at Tirupati was exceedingly difficult. The Chief Minister highlighted that the practice of issuing tickets for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam in Tirupati is a recent development and mentioned that the duration for this darshan has been extended to 10 days, marking a shift from traditional practices.
