Lagatar24 Desk
Srikakulam: At least nine devotees, including eight women and a 13-year-old boy, were killed and several others injured on Ekadashi morning after a stampede broke out at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple (popularly called Chinna Tirupati) in Kasibugga town of Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district. The tragedy occurred when an estimated 15,000 devotees gathered for darshan at the newly built temple, which was inaugurated just four months ago.
Railing Collapse and Panic Led to Chaos
According to police reports, the incident was triggered when an iron railing near the temple steps collapsed under crowd pressure, causing panic among devotees. “It is purely an accident and due to the owner’s mistake. They hadn’t applied for police bandobust; there were no permissions either,” said Srikakulam SP KV Maheswara Reddy. Kasibugga DSP Lakshman Rao clarified that devotees panicked and fell from a six-foot height, leading to casualties.
Casualties and Medical Response
Seven people died on the spot, while two others succumbed to injuries later at the Community Health Centre, Palasa. Around 15 devotees were taken to hospitals; three are in critical condition. The deceased include Eduri Chinnami (Rameswaram), Rapaka Vijaya (Pittalasaria), Muripinti Neelamma (Dukkavanmipeta), Duvvu Rajeswari (Belupatiya), Chinni Yosodamma (Sivarampuram), Rupa (Guddibhara), Lotla Nikhil (13, Benkili), Dokkara Ammulamma (Palasa-Kasibugga), and Bora Brunda (Mandasa).
Chief Minister Orders Probe, Calls Incident ‘Heartbreaking’
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu termed the tragedy “extremely heartbreaking” and ordered an inquiry into the incident. “The stampede incident at the Venkateswara Temple in Srikakulam district has caused deep shock. I have instructed officials to ensure immediate relief and the best medical treatment for the injured,” he wrote on X.
Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Announces Crowd Safety Reforms
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed grief and announced plans to strengthen crowd management at temples. “It is extremely tragic that nine devotees lost their lives, including a child. The government will ensure the injured get the best treatment and regulate temple crowds on spiritually significant days,” he stated.
National Leaders React, Relief Announced
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ₹2 lakh compensation for the families of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the PM National Relief Fund, saying he was “pained by the stampede.” President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also expressed condolences, while opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy criticised the state government’s preparedness.
Inquiry Underway
Authorities have launched an official investigation into the incident. Additional police forces have been deployed at the temple to manage crowds and prevent further chaos as rescue and relief operations continue.
