At least six people were killed and 35 injured in a stampede near one of India’s busiest and richest temples, after thousands of devout Hindus assembled there to secure free visit passes, authorities said Thursday. “The stampede took place when the gate was opened,” S. Venkateswar, the district collector, or top revenue official, told reporters Thursday. Tickets for visits to the nearly 2,000-year-old temple usually cost $3.50 (300 rupees) each and are sold online. Temple operator, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), apologized for the incident and promised action against anyone found responsible. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, a key ally of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inspected the stampede site and visited some of the injured in hospital.

---

Persons: Swamy, Venkateswar, Chandrababu Naidu, Narendra Modi, Naidu’s, Jagan Mohan Reddy, Modi Organizations: ” Authorities, Reuters, Indian, Party Locations: Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams