Tirupati stampede case: Retired HC judge to lead judicial probe; Panel asked to submit report in 6 months

Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday has announced the formation of a commission of inquiry to investigate the tragic stampede that occurred on January 8 in Tirupati, resulting in six fatalities and over 30 injuries.

Retired High Court Judge Justice M. Satyanarayana Murthy will head the inquiry.

The stampede happened during the distribution of Vaikunta Ekadasi darshan tickets for the Tirumala temple. The commission has been asker to submit its findings within six months.

The commission is tasked with examining the circumstances that led to the stampede at Padmavathi Park in Tirupati, which caused the deaths of six devotees who were waiting to collect tokens for the Vaikuntha Ekadasi Festival.

“Identify whether proper arrangements were made for the distribution of tokens and whether there were any shortcomings in those arrangements. If shortcomings are found, identify the individuals responsible. Additionally, suggest measures to prevent such incidents in the future and make any other recommendations regarding institutional mechanisms to ensure the safety and security of devotees visiting Tirumala and Tirupati for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara,” said the GO issuer on Wednesday. 

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the judicial probe following his visit to the stampede spot the day after the incident, where he met with the injured. In response to the tragedy, two officials have been suspended and three others transferred.

The government has also provided compensation to the victims' families, including Rs 25 lakh each to the families of the deceased, as well as contract jobs for one family member of each deceased. The injured will receive financial assistance ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.