Several Dead After Stampede At Venkateswara Swamy Temple In Andhra Pradesh, PM Announces 2 Lakh Ex Gratia

Several devotees lost their lives after a stampede broke out at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, on Saturday (1 November), the Hindustan Times reported.

Officials said the tragedy occurred due to overcrowding as thousands of devotees gathered to offer prayers on the occasion of Ekadashi.

Police and rescue teams rushed to the scene to control the situation and help the injured, who were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

"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 posted on X on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi," It further said.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the incident in a statement on X, saying, “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.”

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh also posted on 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 said the government had ensured proper medical treatment for the injured.

Upon receiving information about the incident, he immediately contacted district officials, Minister Achchennaidu, and local MLA Gauthu Shirish, directing them to provide prompt assistance to those affected.

Governor S Abdul Nazeer also expressed anguish over the deaths, offering condolences to the bereaved families and directing the district administration to ensure proper medical care for the injured.

The tragedy comes just weeks after a deadly stampede in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district on 27 September, which claimed 41 lives and left more than 50 injured during a political rally.

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