Venkateswara Temple Stampede: Nine Killed, Many Injured On Ekadashi, PM Modi Announces Rs 2 Lakh Ex-Gratia

At least nine were killed and many were injured in a stampede at Venkateswara Temple in Kasibugga in Srikakulam on Ekadashi on Saturday, at around 11 am, as reported by NDTV.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences and announced Rs. 2 lakh ex-gratia from the PM National Relief Fund to the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured.

"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," a statement from PMO said.

According to the Andhra Pradesh CMO, "A stampede took place at the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, leaving several people injured. The incident occurred as a large crowd gathered at the temple on the occasion of Ekadashi. The heavy rush of devotees led to overcrowding, resulting in a sudden stampede."

The injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, and police rushed to the spot. Additional police forces have been deployed to the spot.

State Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu rushed to the accident site immediately. He spoke with the temple authorities to gather details about the incident.

Photos and videos of the incident have gone viral on the internet.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu wrote, "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."

"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. The government is providing better medical treatment to those injured in the stampede," wrote TDP leader Lokesh Nara on X.