The Andhra Pradesh government is poised to revamp the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) administration after a stampede in Tirupati claimed six lives and injured 35 devotees. The incident, which occurred during the Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan token distribution, has triggered widespread criticism of crowd management practices.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu visited the temple town on Thursday, following which the state government suspended Tirupati Deputy Superintendent of Police Ramana Kumar and TTD Goshala Director Haranath Reddy, both of whom were overseeing crowd control. Additionally, Tirupati Superintendent of Police L Subbarayudu, TTD Chief Vigilance and Security Officer S Sridhar, and Joint Executive Officer M Gowthami were transferred for alleged negligence and directed to report to the General Administration Department without new postings.
Potential Administrative Shakeup
Senior officials have hinted that TTD Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao and Additional Executive Officer Venkayya Chowdary may also face reassignment after the conclusion of Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan festivities on January 19. Both officers were appointed by Naidu in 2019 to enhance TTD operations, but the chief minister is reportedly dissatisfied with their handling of recent events.
Shyamala Rao, credited for addressing issues like the supply of adulterated ghee to Tirumala, has come under scrutiny for inadequate preparations for the Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan. Reports indicate a heated exchange between Rao and TTD Chairman B R Naidu during a review meeting on the stampede, where Rao was accused of bypassing the chairman in critical decision-making.
Demands for Accountability
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who apologized publicly to the families of the stampede victims, has demanded similar gestures from B R Naidu, Shyamala Rao, and Venkayya Chowdary. Kalyan criticized the TTD management for its lack of accountability and poor planning.
However, TTD Chairman B R Naidu downplayed the significance of an apology, stating that it would not undo the tragedy. “The stampede resulted from mistakes by some officials. An apology won’t bring back the deceased,” he said.
Emergency Meeting and Relief Measures
On Friday, the TTD trust board, chaired by B R Naidu, held an emergency meeting at Annamayya Bhavan in Tirumala to address the aftermath of the tragedy. The board expressed condolences to the victims’ families and resolved to personally visit them on Saturday to deliver compensation of ₹25 lakh each. The board also decided to offer contractual jobs to one eligible family member of each deceased.
“The government has initiated a judicial inquiry into the incident, and those found responsible will face appropriate action. The TTD board is committed to implementing corrective measures,” the chairman stated.
The overhaul of the TTD administration is expected to be a key step in restoring faith in the management of one of India’s most revered temples.
