THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Srikakulam, Nov 1: A tragic stampede at the Venkateswara temple in Kasibugga in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district claimed nine lives and left several injured on Saturday morning, police officials confirmed.
The incident took place around 11:30 am during a crowded gathering of devotees.
It is reported that a huge crowd had gathered at the temple on the occasion of Ekadashi. As the number of devotees increased, chaos broke out, leading to a sudden stampede. Several people fell to the ground and were trampled by the crowd, resulting in the deaths of nine devotees, while many others were injured.
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Police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. The injured were immediately taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The entire area is now engulfed in deep sorrow following this tragedy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the Venkateswara temple stampede incident. He also announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured. The aid will be provided from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Following the tragedy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
In a post on X, he wrote, “The stampede at Kasibugga Venkateswara temple in Srikakulam district anguished me. It is very sad that devotees have died in this unfortunate incident. I convey my deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.”
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The Chief Minister also instructed district officials to provide immediate medical care to the injured and directed authorities and local leaders to closely monitor the ongoing relief and rescue efforts.
According to DSP Lakshman Rao, who is in charge of the Kasibugga sub-division, seven people were confirmed dead and two others injured in the mishap. Investigations are underway to ascertain the circumstances that led to the fatal crowd surge.
