Stampede at Venkateswara temple in Andhra Pradesh kills 10, several injured

A stampede at the Venkateswara Swami temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, led to the death of 10 devotees, while several others have been injured. Thousands of devotees had gathered to offer prayers at the temple on the occasion of Ekadashi, a sacred day when Lord Vishnu is worshipped. 

According to the Police, when the crowd swelled beyond control, it resulted in a stampede at the temple premises.

Andhra Pradesh CMO said, "The incident occurred as a large crowd gathered at the temple on the occasion of Ekadashi. The heavy rush of devotees led to overcrowding, resulting in a sudden stampede. The injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police rushed to the spot, and additional forces have also been deployed." 

VIDEO | Andhra Pradesh: Stampede reported at Venkateswara Temple in Kashibugga in Srikakulam district; several devotees injured, rushed to hospital. More details are awaited.

(Source: Third Party)#AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/dOJxEI4JHC

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As the injured have been rushed to the hospital, authorities fear that the death toll might rise, because some of them were left unconscious. 

A probe has been ordered into the incident. But here are some key points that need to be considered:

• The temple premises where the incident took place are privately managed and haven't been registered under the State Endowments Department. 

• No official approval was taken before organizing the event, and neither did they inform the state government about the gathering. 

• During the stampede, the pilgrims had assembled in an under-construction area. 

• The entry and exit points of the temple were the same, which led to chaos and overcrowding, further resulting in the stampede. 

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu took to X, expressing his grief over the loss of lives. He wrote, "The stampede incident at the Venkateswara Temple in Kasibugga in Srikakulam district has caused a shock. The death of devotees in this tragic incident is extremely heartbreaking. I have instructed the officials to provide speedy and proper treatment to those who have been injured." 

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced compensation for the victims, saying, "Pained by the stampede in Venkateswara Swami temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon. An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from PMRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs 50,000."