TTD cancels issuance of slotted sarva darshan tokens

Tirumala, April 13: TTD Additional EO AV Dharma Reddy said that they have cancelled slotted tokens and allowed devotees to have sarvadarshanam directly in the wake of stampede-like situation that took place on Tuesday for free darshan tickets.
 
Along with the officials, the EO inspected Vaikuntam queue complexes on Tuesday night. Later, speaking with the media, he said they allowed devotees into Vaikuntam queue complexes without tokens as they have to wait for 20 to 30 hours to have darshan of Lord Balaji.
 
It should be noted here that at least five persons were injured during a stampede-like situation at tokens issuing centre near Govindaraja Swamy choultry, while several others fell unconscious. They were shifted to the Ruia Hospital. The TTD officials and police couldn’t control the devotees, who jostled as soon as ticket counters were opened.
 
Responding to the incident, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu has criticised the TTD for showing negligence towards the devotees. He demanded that the TTD should tender an apology for the Tuesday incident and take measures so that such kind of incidents will not recur in future.