3 killed in stampede at another Chandrababu Naidu event in Andhra

Guntur, January 02: In harrowing development, days after a stampede-like situation killed eight people in one of the events organised by the Telugu Desam Party's (TDP) chief in Nellore, now three people died while several were injured in a public gathering held by former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu in Guntur district on Sunday (January 01).

The incident occurred when the TDP distributed gifts among the poor after Chandrababu Naidu left the venue after launching the programme. As per the police, as soon as the organisers started distributing gifts, including sarees, the crowd swelled and pushed the barricades away leading to a stampede. Police said that One woman died on the spot while the other two succumbed at a government hospital. The stampede occurred

This unfortunate incident has triggered a war of words between the ruling YSR Congress party and the TDP which is in opposition. Expressing his shock over the stampede at Guntur, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy slammed Naidu for the incident and remarked that his craze for publicity cost human lives. He further instructed the officials to ensure quality medicare to those and stand by the families of the deceased.

Besides, Home Minister V Rajini, who visited the hospital, also blamed Naidu for the deaths. She alleged that people were losing lives due to his publicity tricks.

Meanwhile, expressing shock Naidu has announced to provide ex gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased, news agency ANI reported. It should be reminded that earlier eight people, including two women, were killed in a stampede during a roadshow of the former chief minister in Kundukur town of Nellore district.