Tragic Stampede at Venkateswara Temple in Srikakulam Claims Nine Lives: Rescue Efforts and Official Response

The stampede occurred on Saturday.

Several devotees rushed to provide CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to those who fainted during a stampede that claimed at least nine lives at a temple in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district on Saturday.

Videos from Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga revealed people hurrying to assist those who collapsed in the crowd consisting of hundreds of devotees. Some footage showed individuals attempting to pull out others gasping for breath from the crowd. Additional clips displayed women rubbing the hands of those fallen on the ground.

The stampede took place at Venkateswara temple in Kasibugga around 11.30 am, according to Kasibugga sub-division in-charge DSP Lakshman Rao. Responding to the incident, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu stated on X: "The stampede at Kasibugga Venkateswara temple in Srikakulam district anguished me. It is very sad that devotees have died in this unfortunate incident. I convey my deepest sympathies to the families of the victims."

He mentioned directing officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured and instructed authorities and local leaders to monitor relief work at the stampede site.

Nara Lokesh, a minister in his father Naidu's cabinet, expressed condolences and stated he was in "profound shock."

"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 said, adding that he had spoken to concerned officials and instructed assistance be provided to affected individuals.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed he was "pained" by the stampede and announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for victims' families.

"My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon," his office posted on X.

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…

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 1, 2025

He also announced that the injured would receive Rs 50,000.