TTD Refutes Stampede Death Claims in Tirumala

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has refuted reports claiming that a child died in a stampede near the Annadanam Satram in Tirumala, stating that such news is false. In an official statement issued today, TTD clarified the actual circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to the board, 16-year-old Manjunath from Bengaluru had been suffering from a heart-related ailment for several years. On February 22, after having a meal at the Tarigonda Vengamamba Annadanam Satram in Tirumala, he suddenly collapsed. TTD staff immediately rushed him to Ashwini Hospital and later transferred him to Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) in Tirupati for further treatment. Unfortunately, he passed away.

TTD strongly condemned the spread of misinformation suggesting that the boy died in a stampede while waiting in the Annadanam queue. The board expressed its displeasure over such false reports and warned that strict legal action would be taken against those responsible for spreading misleading information that could hurt devotees' sentiments.