Visakhapatnam: A devastating stampede near Vishnu Nivasam in Tirupati on Wednesday resulted in the heart-wrenching loss of six lives, four of whom were cherished members of the community from the combined Visakhapatnam district. Among the victims, three women were from Visakhapatnam, and a man was from Narsipatnam in the Anakapalle district. This tragic incident unfolded during the distribution of Vaikunta Dwara Sarva Darshan tokens, as countless devotees expressed their devotion while vying for tickets to the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, set to begin on January 10.
The families affected now face unimaginable sorrow and uncertainty for their futures. One of the victims, 33-year-old K. Santhi, resided in Gandhi Nagar, Kancharapalem, Visakhapatnam. Visiting Tirumala during Vaikunta Ekadasi was a cherished yearly tradition for her family. Tragically, this year has turned into a nightmare, as Santhi lost her life in the chaos of the stampede.
“She was the pillar of our family,” shared K. Appala Narsamma, Santhi’s mother-in-law, with a heart full of grief. “Every year, Santhi, my son Venkatesh, and grandson Mahendra would visit Tirumala together. This year, my son and grandson had taken Govindamala Deeksha, while Santhi was the main breadwinner, supporting us as daily wage labourers. My husband and I depend on old-age pensions.”
Narsamma recounted the painful moment they learnt of Santhi’s fate. “We first saw the news on TV, and later, my son called to confirm the tragic reality. Initially, they were told by officials that she had only broken her leg and had been taken to a hospital. It was with heavy hearts that they ultimately learnt of her passing away in a different hospital,” she said, her voice trembling with sorrow. “I worry so much for my grandson, who is just 18. How will we manage without Santhi?” Another victim, 47-year-old G. Rajini from Maddilapalem in Visakhapatnam, was a deeply spiritual person. Facing financial difficulties and with their son studying in the USA, Rajini and her husband, Lakshmana Reddy, sought blessings in Tirumala, hoping for a change in their fortunes.
“She was a devout individual who always had high hopes for her son,” reflected a neighbour mourning the loss. “Now, her family is utterly shattered.” Lakshmana Reddy is currently in Tirupati, trying to navigate the formalities, while their son rushes back to India, arriving in Visakhapatnam by Friday.
The stampede also took the life of 38-year-old S. Lavanya from Thatichetlapalem in Visakhapatnam, leaving behind her husband and two young daughters, aged 13 and 11. The emotional toll of this tragedy resonates deeply within the community as they come together to grieve for those lost too soon.
A resident of Pedabaddepalli in Narsipatnam municipality Boddeti Naidu Babu also died in the tragic stampede. Babu worked at a local shop and travelled to Tirupati with his wife Manikumari and a friend to participate in the sacred event. “My brother lost our mother when he was just three years old, and I raised him," said Babu's brother Boddeti Venkataramana in an emotional statement. "He was not just a loving husband but also a caring father to his adopted daughter. We have received no assistance or information from the TTD authorities regarding the incident."
BJP leader C.M. Ramesh reached out to the family, promising support and assistance. He mentioned that Jana Sena leader Challa Chitti Babu was among the first to inform the family about the tragic incident.
