At least 10 killed, several injured in stampede at Kasibugga Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh

At least 10 people were killed and several others were injured in a stampede during the Thokkilata ritual at the Kasibugga Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam district on Saturday (Nov 1). The authorities are actively working to control the situation, and additional police personnel have been deployed at the scene. The authorities are reviewing and monitoring the situation.

The incident happened on the day of Ekadashi, for which a large crowd of devotees had gathered at the temple. Ekadashi is the 11th day of each lunar fortnight in the Hindu calendar, celebrated twice a month for spiritual purification and devotion to Lord Vishnu.

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu expressed his shock at the tragic incident, offering his deepest condolences to the families of the victims.

“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. 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,” Naidu wrote on X.

State Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu expressed deep shock over the tragic incident and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. He immediately left for the temple after learning about the stampede and ordered officials to ensure proper medical treatment for those injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his condolences to the victims of the stampede and their families. PM Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh ($1126) each for the next of kin of those who lost their lives and Rs 50,000 ($563) for those who were injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). At least 10 people were killed and several others were injured in the incident that happened in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam.

“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 wrote on X. “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.”