10 dead, several injured in stampede at Venkateswara Temple in Andhra’s Srikakulam

Panic gripped the Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Kashibugga in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district on Saturday when a massive stampede broke out amid the Ekadashi rush, leaving at least ten people dead and several others injured.

Terrified screams echoed through the temple complex as devotees tried to flee the overcrowded premises. The injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The tragedy unfolded around 11:30 a.m., when thousands had gathered for Ekadashi — one of Hinduism’s most sacred observances dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The heavy influx of devotees led to severe overcrowding, eventually triggering the stampede, according to DSP Lakshman Rao, who oversees the Kasibugga sub-division. Additional police forces were later deployed to restore order at the site.

Also Read: TN stampede: Didn't visit Karur since it would lead to an 'unusual' situation, says Vijay

Andhra CMO’s Statement:

A statement from the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that the incident was caused by the surge of devotees. “The stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga occurred due to a large crowd gathered on the occasion of Ekadashi,” the release said.

Temple authorities reported that over 25,000 devotees visited the shrine on Saturday — nearly double the usual footfall of 10,000 to 15,000 seen on other weekends, The Indian Express cited officials as saying.

Disturbing visuals circulating on social media showed chaos inside the temple and several motionless bodies lying on the ground, while others rushed to help victims. Similar scenes played out at local hospitals where the injured were being treated.

PM Modi announces compensation

Reacting to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families. “Pained by the stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam. My thoughts are with the bereaved families, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said.

The Prime Minister’s Office announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the PMNRF for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.