Odisha woman among 10 dead in Venkateswara Temple stampede; another critical

An Odia woman was among ten devotees who lost their lives in a tragic stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kashibugga, Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, on Saturday morning.

The deceased has been identified as R. Rupa, a resident of Gudipadar village under Patrapur block in Ganjam district, Odisha. According to reports, Rupa had gone to the temple to offer prayers on the occasion of Ekadashi, one of Hinduism’s most sacred observances dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Another woman who accompanied her was seriously injured in the mishap.

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

The stampede broke out around 11:30 a.m., when a massive crowd of devotees surged inside the temple premises during the Ekadashi rush. Initial reports suggest that over 25,000 devotees had gathered at the shrine — nearly double the usual weekend footfall of 10,000–15,000 — leading to chaos and panic. At least ten people were killed and several others injured in the incident.

Expressing grief over the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “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.”

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

Authorities have launched an inquiry into the circumstances leading to the stampede, while local administration and temple officials are coordinating relief and medical aid for the victims.