In a heartbreaking incident on Saturday, a stampede broke out at the Kashibugga Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh. Sadly, 10 devoted individuals lost their lives, and numerous others were injured. Authorities fear the death toll might rise given some of the injuries are critical.
The tragedy unfolded during the sacred Kartika Ekadashi, drawing an enormous crowd to the temple. Preliminary reports suggest a sudden surge at the entrance overwhelmed the devotees, leading to panic and a subsequent stampede. Many fell, only to be trampled by the rushing crowd.
Upon learning of the situation, the administration swiftly began rescue operations. The injured were rushed to nearby government hospitals for treatment. Rigorous monitoring is underway by district authorities, who have deployed additional police forces to control the situation.
Witnesses indicate the temple had already been bustling since morning, and inadequate security measures led to the disorder. An investigation has been ordered to uncover the lapses in crowd management.
Prime Minister Modi Expresses Grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a message on social media platform X, he conveyed his profound condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured. The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund will provide ex-gratia of INR 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and INR 50,000 to those injured.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stated, "The stampede at Srikakulam’s Kashibugga Venkateswara Temple has drawn widespread concern. The loss of life in such an unfortunate event is deeply saddening. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I have instructed officials to ensure the injured receive the best possible treatment and requested local officials and representatives to visit the site and oversee relief efforts."
Union Minister Nara Lokesh remarked, "The stampede at Kashibugga Venkateswara Temple, resulting in the loss of many lives, is extremely tragic. On Ekadashi, it was a monumental catastrophe. My deepest sympathies go out to the grieving families. Our government is committed to providing top-notch medical care to those injured. Upon receiving the news, I communicated with officials, District Minister Atchannaidu, and local MLA Gouthu Sirisha, directing them to provide immediate assistance to the victims."
