Tragedy at Andhra Pradesh's 'Mini Tirupati': 9 Dead in Temple Stampede Due to Inadequate Crowd Management

Nine people died and 15 others were injured in the stampede at the Andhra temple

Hyderabad:

An under-construction temple, a common entry-exit point, and an Ekadashi rush have brought attention to the circumstances surrounding the nine fatalities in the temple tragedy at Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam.

According to Andhra Pradesh government sources, an 80-year-old man named Harimukunda Panda constructed the temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara on his own land. The temple, which began welcoming devotees just four months ago, is designed to resemble the grand Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala and is referred to as "Chinna Tirupati," meaning 'Mini Tirupati'. The temple features a single entry and exit point with handrails along the narrow passage. This is precisely where the tragedy occurred when hundreds of devotees gathered for the Ekadashi puja. Reports indicate that a free bus service was also arranged to transport women devotees to the temple, further increasing the crowd size.

Government sources revealed that the temple management failed to inform local authorities about the anticipated Ekadashi rush. Consequently, there was virtually no crowd management plan implemented as hundreds of devotees flocked to 'Mini Tirupati' to offer their prayers.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu stated that if police had been notified beforehand, they could have established a crowd management plan. "Due to planning, we were able to prevent more casualties during the cyclone. Unfortunately, numerous lives were lost in the stampede. Those responsible for this incident will face serious consequences and be taken into custody," he declared.

Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Andhra Pradesh's Endowments Minister, clarified that the temple where the tragedy occurred is not under state government management. "This temple's capacity is limited to 2,000 to 3,000 people. Today, being Ekadashi, approximately 25,000 people arrived simultaneously. Adequate arrangements were not made, and no information was provided to the government. This is what caused the accident," he explained in a video shared on X by the Andhra Pradesh government's fact-check department.

Footage from the temple shows numerous women trapped in the confined space. Many can be seen gasping for air and calling for help while holding puja baskets. Some videos also depict relatives attempting to perform CPR on victims and rubbing their palms in desperate efforts to revive them. According to district administration reports, the victims include eight women and one child. Two individuals are critically injured, while 15 others sustained minor injuries.

The Prime Minister's Office has stated that the stampede has deeply affected Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF will be provided to the families of the deceased. The injured will receive Rs. 50,000," the PMO announced.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the tragedy and described the deaths as "heartbreaking". "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," the Chief Minister stated in a post on X. He has directed local officials and public representatives to visit the site and oversee relief operations.