Andhra Pradesh: 9 Killed in Stampede at Venkateswara Temple

In Andhra Pradesh, nine people were killed in a stampede at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kashibugga in the Srikakulam district on Saturday. The incident occurred during Ekadashi, when a large crowd of devotees gathered for darshan. According to reports, a railing collapsed, causing people to fall and triggering a stampede. The deceased are said to be from the nearby areas of Palasa and Kashibugga. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock over the tragedy, calling it extremely painful that devotees lost their lives while visiting the temple. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and directed officials to ensure proper and speedy medical care for the injured. The Chief Minister also instructed local authorities and public representatives to visit the site and oversee relief measures. The district remains in deep grief following the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was pained by the stampede deaths and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the victims' families. The injured will be given Rs 50,000. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, too, offered condolences and wished speedy recovery to 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.

The Kasibugga temple, known as the 'Mini Tirupati', is not under the government's endowments department that manages thousands of temples in the state. The temple authorities had not informed the local administration that such a huge rush was expected on Ekadashi, said government sources. Construction work was underway in the area where the stampede occurred. It had just one entry-exit point.