Seven Dead, Two Injured in Temple Stampede at Srikakulam’s Venkateswara Shrine

At least seven people were killed and two others injured in a stampede at the Venkateswara temple in Kasibugga area of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, on Saturday morning. The tragic incident occurred around 11:30 am when a massive crowd of devotees gathered at the temple to mark Ekadashi, an auspicious occasion in Hindu tradition. The sudden rush of worshippers led to pushing and chaos, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries, police said.

Kasibugga sub-division in-charge DSP Lakshman Rao confirmed the death toll and said the injured were receiving treatment at a nearby hospital. Authorities immediately launched rescue operations as panic spread among devotees. Preliminary reports suggest overcrowding and lack of crowd management measures may have contributed to the disaster.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it “extremely heartbreaking.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he extended condolences to the bereaved families and directed officials to ensure immediate medical aid for the injured. Naidu also instructed local authorities and public representatives to reach the site and supervise relief efforts. State minister Nara Lokesh, too, expressed “profound shock” and urged preventive steps to avoid such tragedies during major religious events in the future.

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