Six devotees die in stampede at Vishnu Nivasam in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati

At least six people died and 16 others were injured in a stampede situation at Vishnu Nivasam in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati during the distribution of tokens for Vaikuntha Dwara Sarvadarshanam, a special 'darshan' for devotees for 10 days, starting Friday.

According to reports, a massive rush of devotees attempting to secure tokens resulted in the stampede.

One of the deceased devotees hailed from Tamil Nadu's Salem. Sixteen others received injuries during the incident and were taken to the Ruia Hospital for treatment.

Visuals showed heavy police presence in the area as the injured were being shifted to ambulances.

Witnesses said as many as 60 people fell on each other as they were trying to collect tokens at the counter. Some devotees alleged that there was negligence on the part of the police.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Board chairperson, BR Naidu, ruled out any conspiracy and said it was an accident.

"I had suspected something could go wrong and warned officials not to take it easy. There were rumours spread that not everyone may be allowed in Tirumala," NDTV quoted Reddy as saying.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock at the incident and said it was "deeply disturbing".

"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," he said in an X post in Telugu.

"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 said.

The chief minister will visit Tirupati on Thursday.

Many devotees were present at the temple to offer prayers when the stampede situation occurred. Locals have alleged that ambulance drivers were missing, causing a delay in shifting the injured to the hospital.

The tokens were scheduled to be distributed from 5 am on Thursday but devotees had queued up from Wednesday night itself.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi condoled the incident and urged party workers to provide all assistance in rescue ops.

"The tragic stampede in Tirupati is deeply saddening. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Wishing a swift recovery to all those injured. I urge Congress leaders and workers to provide all possible assistance during this difficult time," he posted on X.