1 killed, 35 injured at Chiranjeevi's party launch

One woman was killed and 35 people were injured as utter chaos and stampede-like situation prevailed at the maiden public meeting of Telugu Chiranjeevi in Tirupati on Tuesday evening.
The trouble began as a large number of fans jumped over barricades and surged towards the main stage, virtually walking over people. In the melee, the woman was killed.

Women and physically challenged people were the worst affected, as the unruly crowd pushed themselves and moved closer towards the podium.

The disabled fans of Chiranjeevi, who were offered a special gallery near the podium, had a tough time coping with the situation. Several of them were escorted out by volunteers and policemen before the meeting and averted a tragedy.

A large number of people swarmed over a huge cut-out of the Telugu star put up near the podium ignoring appeals by Chiranjeevi's brother Nagendra Babu and other speakers not to climb over to the temporary structure on the dais.

As the unruly mob rushed towards the podium, several mediapersons had to run for safety.
Ambulances rushed several injured people to the hospitals, and doctors attending them said most patients are likely to be discharged after basic treatment.

Police had to resort to lathicharge to control the crowd, who threw footwear at them.
Water was at a premium as people including the injured could not have any proper supply. Several youth climbed over a water tank to collect whatever water was left in it.

Chiranjeevi, himself had a tough time moving out of the podium after completing his speech, as a large number of fans jostled with each other trying to have a glimpse.

A short circuit in a power supply van added to the trouble, but no casualty was reported as the generator was immediately switched off.

courtesy: http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14747191