9 Dead in Tragic Stampede at Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh on Ekadashi

Srikakulam | November 1, 2025 Nine devotees, including eight women and a child, were killed and at least seventeen others injured in a stampede at the newly constructed Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, early Saturday morning. The tragedy unfolded during heavy crowding on the occasion of Ekadashi, considered an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. Disturbing visuals from the temple showed chaotic scenes as hundreds of devotees, many of them women carrying puja baskets, struggled for space on a narrow staircase. In the rush to escape, several people fell, leading to a devastating chain reaction. Bodies were later seen scattered across the temple premises, and injured devotees were carried to ambulances by locals and volunteers, while medical teams tried desperately to revive the unconscious. Police soon arrived to control the situation and assist in rescue operations. The incident took place in an area of the temple complex still under construction, which reportedly had only a single entry and exit point. Officials later confirmed that the temple, known locally as “Mini Tirupati,” is privately managed and had not informed authorities about the expected surge of devotees for Ekadashi. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu called the incident “heartbreaking” and directed officials to ensure swift medical care for the injured. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and ordered an immediate inquiry. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also expressed grief and promised government support to the victims’ families, emphasizing the need for better crowd management in temples during the Karthik month, when pilgrim traffic peaks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing the incident as “painful.” He announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives and ₹50,000 to the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. “My thoughts are with the families who lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said. Governor S. Abdul Nazeer expressed anguish and instructed district officials to provide the best possible medical care to the victims. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also offered condolences, calling the loss of lives “deeply saddening,” and prayed for the recovery of the injured. Minister Nara Lokesh, son of the Chief Minister, said he was “profoundly shocked” and has directed officials to expedite relief and rehabilitation efforts. He stated that the government is committed to supporting the affected families and ensuring that such tragedies are prevented in the future. The incident has cast a shadow over Ekadashi celebrations across the state, prompting renewed calls for stricter safety measures in religious places during major festivals. As investigations continue, questions remain about the lack of coordination between temple authorities and local administration in handling massive crowds at the newly inaugurated site. Tragedy Strikes at Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh A sacred day turned tragic as nine devotees, including eight women and a child, lost their lives in a stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam on Ekadashi. Overcrowding on a narrow staircase led to chaos and panic, leaving many injured. Rescue teams and police rushed to the site as Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced aid for the victims’ families. The tragedy has raised urgent questions about crowd management and safety at religious gatherings across the state.