At least ten people died after a stampede broke out at the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam on Saturday. According to officials, overcrowding led to a sudden stampede as a large crowd gathered for Ekadashi at the temple.
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The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police reached the site and managed the situation, officials said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he is “pained” by the stampede and offered condolences to those “who have lost their near and dear ones", according to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). He added, “I pray that the injured recover soon.”
Further, the prime minister announced that an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each from the PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives, and the injured would be given Rs. 50,000.
In a statement posted on X, Andhra Pradesh Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. “The stampede incident at the Venkateswara Temple in Kasibugga in Srikakulam district has caused a shock. The death of devotees in this tragic incident is extremely heartbreaking... I have instructed the officials to provide speedy and proper treatment to those who have been injured.”
{{/usCountry}}In a statement posted on X, Andhra Pradesh Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. “The stampede incident at the Venkateswara Temple in Kasibugga in Srikakulam district has caused a shock. The death of devotees in this tragic incident is extremely heartbreaking... I have instructed the officials to provide speedy and proper treatment to those who have been injured.”
{{/usCountry}}Union home minister Amit Shah said in a statement, “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.”
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh said in a statement posted on X, “The stampede at the Kasibugga Venkateswara Temple has caused the deaths of several devotees, plunging us into 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.”
He added, “The government is providing better medical treatment to those injured in the stampede. As soon as the information was received, I spoke with the officials, Minister Achchennaidu from the district, and local MLA Gauthu Shirish. I have instructed that immediate assistance be provided to the affected individuals."
A statement from Andhra Pradesh governor S Abdul Nazeer’s office read, “Governor of Andhra Pradesh Sri S. Abdul Nazeer expressed anguish and profound grief over the death of nine pilgrims in the stampede that took place at Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, on Saturday, due to the heavy rush of pilgrims.”
It added that he offered condolences to the grieving family members and directed the district administration to ensure better medical care for the injured devotees.
The incident comes months after 41 people died and over 50 others were injured in a stampede on September 27 in Tamil Nadu’s Karur during a rally led by actor-politician and TVK chief Vijay.