Ten Dead in Temple Stampede in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam District

At least ten devotees, including several women and children, were killed and many others injured in a stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district on Saturday.

The tragedy occurred around 11:30 a.m. at the temple in Kasibugga town during Ekadashi, an auspicious day that drew a large crowd of devotees. Officials said the gathering became uncontrollable due to limited space and a single entry and exit point. The area where devotees had assembled was still under construction, and the event was reportedly held without prior government approval.

Rescue operations are underway, and the injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals. Authorities fear the death toll could rise. Videos from the site showed chaotic scenes and several devotees lying motionless on the ground.

The Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, a private shrine inaugurated last year, is not managed by the Endowments Department. Police and emergency teams rushed to the scene, and additional forces were deployed to assist in rescue work and control the crowd. State Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu visited the site to oversee relief operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced ex gratia payments of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu described the tragedy as “heartbreaking” and directed officials to provide immediate medical care and ensure effective relief efforts. IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, coordinating the government’s response, is visiting the site to monitor operations.

Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed condolences to the bereaved families. Authorities are investigating the cause of the stampede and possible lapses in crowd management.