Six pilgrims, including five women, lost their lives and 29 others sustained injuries in a gang attack at Srinivasam in Tirupati on Wednesday night.
Official sources said the congestion occurred when the gates were suddenly opened at the queue for issuing Vaikuntha Dwaram tokens or darshan to make way for an ambulance taking the sick TTD staff to the hospital. Officials say the death toll could rise further.
Officials said the TTD executive officer and district collector were supervising relief operations and the situation was under control.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock over the death of the pilgrim and said he was “closely monitoring” the treatment and other progress of the injured.
He also directed authorities to take all measures to provide relief to believers, the statement said.
