• Source:JND
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Tirupati Stampede: At least six devotees including a woman from Tamil Nadu's Salem lost their lives in a stampede that broke out at Vishnu Niwasam in Tirupati during the distribution of Vaikunta Dwara Sarva Darshan tokens. The incident occurred amid a massive rush of devotees trying to secure the tokens. Several others sustained injuries in the stampede and were rushed to Ruia Hospital for treatment.

Videos showing police officers performing CPR on injured women devotees and people being transported in ambulances have gone viral. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the incident and contacted officials to inquire about the treatment being provided to the injured. 

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"The death of several devotees in a stampede near Vishnu Niwasam in Tirupati for tokens to visit Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara has shocked me. This tragic incident, which took place at a time when devotees had gathered in large numbers for tokens, deeply disturbed me," Naidu tweeted.

"In the wake of information that the condition of some of them is critical, I have directed higher officials to go to the spot and take relief measures... to provide better medical treatment to the injured and save their lives. I am talking to the district and TTD officials from time to time and am taking stock of the situation," he added. 

He has instructed senior officials to visit the incident site and oversee relief operations to ensure that those injured receive proper medical care to prevent increase in the death toll.

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The Andhra CM also reviewed the stampede situation with DGP, TTD EO, District Collector, and SP. Naidu also questioned why they could not make arrangements accordingly when it was known that devotees would come in large numbers. According to news agency ANI, CM Naidu will visit Tirupati to meet those who sustained injuries in the stampede. 

PM Modi also expressed grief over the incident and said, “Pained by the stampede in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon. The AP Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected.”