At Least Nine Dead in Stampede at Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh; PM Modi, CM Naidu Express Grief

At Least Nine Dead in Stampede at Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh; PM Modi, CM Naidu Express Grief

Women got  trapped in a narrow corridor, clutching puja baskets and screaming for help as the crowd surged forward

CNB World Times

Srikakulam (Andhra Pradesh), 1^st Nov, 2025: A tragic stampede at the newly constructed Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, claimed at least nine lives on Saturday morning. Several others were injured when thousands of devotees gathered to offer prayers on the auspicious occasion of Ekadashi.

The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. when a large number of devotees rushed toward the sanctum for darshan. According to police officials, the crowd swelled beyond control, leading to chaos at the temple’s only entry and exit point. Many people fainted and some were trampled in the rush before rescue teams could intervene. Some videos show in social media that scores of women getting trapped in a narrow corridor, clutching puja baskets and screaming for help as the crowd surged forward.

Local authorities, police, and medical personnel quickly reached the site to carry out rescue and relief operations. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials are investigating the cause of the overcrowding and whether adequate safety measures were in place.

The district administration expressed condolences to the victims’ families and assured that all possible assistance is being provided. Additional police forces have been deployed to control the situation around the temple.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced an ex-gratia for the families of those who lost their lives. “Pained by the stampede in Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also described the incident as “extremely heartbreaking.” In his post on X, he wrote, “The death of devotees in this tragic incident is extremely painful. I have instructed officials to ensure speedy treatment for the injured and oversee relief operations.” He has also asked local representatives to visit the site and monitor the situation closely.

State Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu and local MLA Gautha Sirisha visited the temple and met the affected families. They are coordinating with rescue teams to ensure prompt medical care for the injured devotees.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed condolences to the victims’ families, calling the loss of lives “deeply saddening.” Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan confirmed that the victims include at least one child.

Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy blamed the tragedy on government negligence. He recalled that similar stampedes had taken place in Tirupati and Simhachalam during major temple festivals in previous years. “Despite repeated incidents, the government has failed to take adequate precautions. This reflects serious administrative lapses,” he said, urging authorities to take corrective measures.

The Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga was opened to devotees in May this year, after four years of construction. Devotees had gathered in large numbers for Ekadashi, one of the most sacred days in Hindu tradition, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Officials said the temple’s single entry and exit point made it difficult to manage the massive influx of worshippers.

This tragic incident echoes a similar stampede in Tirupati earlier this year, where six devotees were killed during the Vaikuntha Ekadasi celebrations due to overcrowding in queue lines.

As investigations continue, questions are being raised about crowd management and safety arrangements at religious sites across Andhra Pradesh. The state government has promised a detailed inquiry and assured that necessary steps will be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.