Nine Killed In Andhra Temple Stampede On Ekadashi; PM Modi And CM Naidu Mourn Loss

A religious celebration in Andhra Pradesh turned tragic when a stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, claimed nine lives on Saturday. Most victims were women and children who had gathered for the Ekadashi festivities.

Eyewitnesses said devotees caused panic by rushing up a staircase on the crowded temple premises, which led several people to lose balance and get trampled. Visuals from the site showed chaos as locals and rescue personnel tried to assist those injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families. “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,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a post on X.

The government will give ₹2 lakh each to the families of those who died and ₹50,000 to the injured from the PM National Relief Fund.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the incident ‘deeply saddening’ and extended condolences to the affected families, urging swift aid and medical support for the injured. Taking to X, Amit Shah said, “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.”

State Leaders Express Grief and Call for Action

Andhra Pradesh Governor Justice (Retd) S Abdul Nazeer described the tragedy as heart-wrenching. He directed the district administration to ensure the best possible care for the survivors.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu termed the incident ‘extremely distressing’ and said he had ordered immediate relief and medical aid. “I have instructed the officials to provide speedy and proper treatment to those who have been injured. I have requested the local officials and public representatives to visit the site of the incident and oversee the relief measures,” he stated.

State Minister and TDP General Secretary Nara Lokesh also expressed condolences and instructed local officials to provide urgent support. “The government is providing better medical treatment to those injured in the stampede,” he posted on X.

Rescue teams have now brought the situation under control. The authorities have launched an inquiry into the causes of overcrowding to determine responsibility and prevent such tragedies in future.

Also Read: CM Yogi Adityanath Urges Children To Choose Books Over Smartphones At Gorakhpur Book Festival