The Andhra Pradesh government has launched a judicial probe into the tragic stampede that occurred on January 8 in Tirupati, resulting in the deaths of six people and leaving over 30 others injured. The stampede took place during the distribution of Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam tickets at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple, causing chaos as hundreds of devotees rushed for the coveted passes. Retired High Court judge Satyanarayana Murthy has been appointed to lead the inquiry, with the commission expected to submit its report within six months.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who visited the site on January 9, swiftly took action by suspending two officials and transferring three others for their negligence in handling the crowd. Deputy Superintendent of Police Ramana Kumar and Goshala Director Harnath Reddy were suspended, while Superintendent of Police Subbaraidu, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Joint Executive Officer Gautami, and Chief Security Officer Sridhar were transferred. The Chief Minister also visited the injured at SVIMS Hospital and assured strict measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
As part of the relief measures, the Andhra Pradesh government announced ₹25 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased, with a promise of contract jobs for one family member of each victim. Additionally, ₹5 lakh will be provided to two critically injured individuals, while 33 others who sustained injuries will receive ₹2 lakh each. The state’s swift response aims to support the affected families and ensure accountability.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also visited the site and met with the injured victims. The tragic event has raised concerns over crowd management at major pilgrimage sites, prompting the government to take immediate corrective measures.