‘Single Entry, 25,000 Devotees, Incomplete Structure': Inside Andhra Temple Stampede Horror

Srikakulam: Eight women and two children reportedly died and several others were injured in a stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kashibugga in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh on Saturday.

A heavy rush of devotees led to overcrowding at the temple, resulting in the stampede. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. "The stampede occurred at Venkateswara temple in Kashibugga town around 11.30 am," said Kashibugga sub-division in-charge DSP Lakshman Rao. Relief and rescue operations were underway, and the situation was reportedly under control. 

25,000 Devotees In Temple Against Capacity Of 2,000

As many as 25,000 devotees had thronged the temple. However, the capacity of the temple was only 2,000. The incident occurred when devotees reached the temple for Ekadashi celebrations. The heavy rush quickly led to severe overcrowding and panic, which triggered the stampede. The tragedy's grim aftermath was captured in disturbing visuals from the temple, showing several devotees lying on the ground.

PM Modi Announces Rs 2 Lakh Ex Gratia 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. He announced that an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF will be provided to the next of kin of the deceased, while the injured will receive Rs 50,000 each.

“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. 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,” the Prime Minister’s office said in a post on X.

CM Mourns Deaths, Assures Help

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu took stock of the situation. He mourned the death of the devotees and assured the best treatment for the injured. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office(CMO) confirmed that the stampede occurred during the Ekadashi celebrations when large crowds assembled at the temple. 

State Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu arrived at the temple soon after the incident to speak with temple officials and assess the situation. Additional police forces were deployed to manage the crowd and assist with relief operations.

"The stampede incident at the Venkateswara Temple in Kashibugga 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," said Naidu. "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 added

"A deep sorrow has gripped us on this Ekadashi day. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The government is providing better medical treatment to those injured in the stampede," he said. Meanwhile, the local administration has launched an immediate inquiry into the deadly lapses in crowd management by the temple administration.

Temple Inaugurated Just Four Months Ago

A major concern has surfaced regarding safety protocols, as the temple, inaugurated only four months ago, is privately managed, which operates outside the Endowments Department. It was reported that no permission from the government was sought for organising the event. The temple management had reportedly failed to inform the government or obtain necessary approvals for the event.

Single Entry-Exit At An Under-Construction Area

Adding to the risk, the area was under construction, and with the temple’s entry and exit points being the same, it led to chaos and panic among the devotees. The situation escalated after the steel railings collapsed and the crowd became uncontrollable.

Minister Reaches Spot

Nara Lokesh, State Minister for Real Time Governance System (RTGS) Nara Lokesh reached the temple to take stock of the situation. Lokesh coordinated the government’s response to the tragedy after visiting the site. Lokesh said he had directed the local MLA and the officials concerned to extend immediate assistance to those affected. A control room has been set up in the collectorate regarding the Kashibugga Tragedy. The control room number is 08942 240557.
 

Political Leaders Express Grief

Union Home Minister Amit Shah offered condolences and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. "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," he said.

Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer condoled the demise of devotees in the stampede that took place in the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Srikakulam district. State Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu also expressed deep shock over the tragedy at the Venkateswara Swamy temple and expressed his condolences to the affected families and directed officials to ensure the best medical treatment for the injured.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan was "deeply distressed" over the incident."The government has instructed district authorities to carry out immediate relief operations and will extend full support to the affected families. An inquiry will be conducted into this tragic incident, which took place at a temple managed by private authorities," he said in a statement.

Pointing out that major temples across the state witness a heavy rush during the Karthik month of the Hindu calendar, he urged the endowments department officials to ensure proper queue management. "Adequate safety and security arrangements must be made within temple premises. When large crowds are expected, police deployment and medical camps should be organised to ensure devotees' safety," his statement read. Additionally, former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed deep shock and grief over the tragic stampede.