Tragic Stampede Claims 9 Lives at Andhra Pradesh's Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple During Ekadashi Celebrations

Hyderabad: A tragic stampede claimed nine lives, including eight women and one child, at a newly built Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district early today. The incident occurred during Ekadashi celebrations, a day considered highly auspicious for Hindu devotees. At least 17 other individuals sustained injuries during the chaotic rush at the Kasibugga temple.

Distressing footage from the temple revealed severe overcrowding, with hundreds of devotees carrying puja baskets struggling on a staircase in desperate attempts to escape the crush. Multiple bodies were subsequently discovered across the temple grounds. In one area, an injured woman was seen weeping uncontrollably.

Numerous bystanders rushed to assist the injured, while others attempted to extract people gasping for air in the dense crowd. Several collapsed women were transported to ambulances, where medical personnel attempted resuscitation efforts.

Law enforcement quickly arrived at the scene and restored order.

The Kasibugga temple, locally known as 'Mini Tirupati,' operates independently from the government's endowments department that oversees thousands of state temples. According to government sources, temple authorities failed to notify local administration about the anticipated large crowds on Ekadashi. Construction work was still underway in the area where the stampede happened, and the location had only a single entry-exit point.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed proper medical care for the injured victims, while Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has promised an investigation into the tragedy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the stampede deaths and announced financial aid of Rs 2 lakh for each bereaved family. The injured will receive Rs 50,000 each.

"Pained by the stampede in Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," the Prime Minister stated.

Governor S Abdul Nazeer also conveyed his distress and instructed district officials to provide enhanced care for the injured.

Chief Minister Naidu expressed shock at the incident, describing the fatalities as "heartbreaking." He stated, "The stampede incident at the Venkateswara Temple in Kashibugga in Srikakulam district has caused a shock. The death of devotees in this tragic incident is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. I have instructed the officials to provide speedy and proper treatment to those who have been injured."

Naidu has further asked local officials and public representatives to visit the location and monitor relief operations.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan was "deeply distressed" by the incident. "The government has instructed district authorities to carry out immediate relief operations and will extend full support to the affected families. An inquiry will be conducted into this tragic incident, which took place at a temple managed by private authorities," he declared in an official statement.

Noting that major temples across the state experience heavy crowds during the Hindu calendar month of Karthik, he urged endowments department officials to implement proper queue management systems. "Adequate safety and security arrangements must be made within temple premises. When large crowds are expected, police deployment and medical camps should be organized to ensure devotees' safety," his statement emphasized.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also offered condolences and wished for the swift recovery of the injured. "Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the stampede at the Kashibugga Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. My condolences to the families of the devotees who lost their lives. Praying that the injured may recover at the earliest," he said.

Nara Lokesh, a minister in his father Naidu's cabinet who is traveling to Srikakulam, expressed "profound shock" at the tragedy. "A deep sorrow has gripped us on this Ekadashi day. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The government is providing better medical treatment to those injured in the stampede," he stated, adding that he has communicated with relevant officials and directed that assistance be provided to all affected individuals.