 "9 killed, several injured in stampede at Venkateswara temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam.")
At least nine devotees were killed and several others injured in a stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga town of Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district on Saturday. The incident occurred during Ekadashi, an auspicious day for Hindus, when a massive crowd gathered at the temple, leading to overcrowding and chaos.
As the Rescue operations are underway, officials said the death toll may rise. Disturbing visuals from the temple showed several devotees lying motionless on the ground after the tragedy. The injured were immediately taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police later reached the spot and brought the situation under control.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock over the incident, calling the loss of lives “extremely heartbreaking.” In a statement posted on X, he said, “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 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.”
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh also took to X, saying, “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.”
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View AllThe tragedy 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.