Andhra Pradesh Government Initiates Judicial Investigation into Tirupati Stampede

Synopsis

The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered a judicial probe into the January 8 stampede at Tirupati, resulting in six fatalities and over 30 injuries. Retired judge Satyanarayana Murthy will oversee the investigation, expected to conclude within six months.

Key Takeaways

Judicial probe ordered into Tirupati stampede.
Retired judge Satyanarayana Murthy leads the inquiry.
Stampede occurred during ticket distribution.
Compensation of Rs 25 lakh for each deceased's family.
Government suspends and transfers officials involved.

Amaravati, Jan 22 (NationPress) The Andhra Pradesh government has announced a judicial investigation into the tragic stampede that occurred on January 8 at Tirupati, which resulted in the loss of six lives and left over 30 individuals injured.

The inquiry will be led by retired High Court judge Satyanarayana Murthy. This judicial investigation was prompted by the chaos during the ticket distribution for the Tirumala temple.

The state administration issued directives on Wednesday for the investigation to proceed, requesting the commission to present its findings within a six-month timeframe.

On January 9, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced the inquiry following a visit to the scene. He also mandated the suspension of two officials and the transfer of three more due to their roles in the incident.

The stampede occurred on the night of January 8 at two locations as crowds surged for tickets for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple.

After assessing the scene, visiting the injured at SVIMS Hospital, and holding a review session with TTD officials, the Chief Minister confirmed the initiation of a judicial probe.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Ramana Kumar and Goshala director Harnath Reddy faced suspension due to neglect of duty. The Chief Minister also ordered the transfer of Superintendent of Police Subbaraidu, TTD Joint Executive Officer Gautami, and Chief Security Officer Sridhar.

The government has also declared a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for each family of the deceased through TTD. Furthermore, a family member of each deceased will be offered a contract position. The Chief Minister stated that two critically injured women will receive Rs 5 lakh each, while 33 others injured will be compensated with Rs 2 lakh each.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also visited the site of the stampede and engaged with the injured on the same day.