Tirupati:: In the wake of the tragic stampede at the Bairagi Patteda and Vishnu Nivasam counters on January 8, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board convened an emergency meeting on Friday to address the situation and announce relief measures.
The incident, which occurred during Vaikuntha Ekadashi darshan arrangements, claimed the lives of six devotees and injured several others. Following public criticism and the suspension of key officials, including the district Police Chief, a DSP rank officer, and the temple Joint Executive Officer, the TTD board expressed its condolences and resolved to support the victims’ families.
During the meeting at Annamaiah Bhavan in Tirumala, TTD Chairman BR Naidu announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹5 lakh for those seriously injured, and ₹2 lakh for individuals undergoing treatment. The board also decided to provide free education to the children of the deceased in TTD institutions.
Several board members, including Smt. Vemireddy Prashanthi Reddy and Smt. Suchitra Ella, contributed personal financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each, while M.S. Raju announced Rs 3 lakh for the victims’ families.
“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident and pray for the peace of the departed souls,” said Chairman BR Naidu during a subsequent press conference. “These measures aim to support the affected families during this difficult time.”
TTD EO J Syamala Rao, Additional EO Ch Venkaiah Chowdary, and other board members participated in the meeting, emphasizing their commitment to improving safety measures and preventing such incidents in the future.
