Terrified screams of children filled the air as a stampede broke out at Andhra’s Venkateswara Temple at Kashibugga in Srikakulam district. At least ten people were killed and several devotees were injured who were later taken to hospitals.
The tragic situation occurred on Saturday when a large crowd gathered at the temple to mark Ekadashi, one of Hinduism’s holiest days marked by fasting and prayers to Lord Vishnu. The heavy rush of devotees led to overcrowding, resulting in a sudden stampede, ANI reported.
Additional police force was also deployed at the Venkateswara temple to bring the situation under control. The stampede took place around 11.30 am, according to in-charge DSP Lakshman Rao under Kasibugga division.
What caused the stampede? What did the Andhra CM say?
A statement issued by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) confirmed the stampede, saying it was caused by a large crowd and heavy rush of devotees on the occasion of Ekadashi.
“A stampede took place at the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, which left several people injured. The incident took place when a large crowd had gathered at the temple on the occasion of Ekadashi. The heavy rush of devotees led to overcrowding, resulting in a sudden stampede,” the statement said.
Andhra temple sees big footfall on Saturday. Today, being Ekadash, around 25,000 people visited the temple compared to a record 10,000 to 15,000 devotees on other Saturdays, The Indian Express reported, citing temple officials.
Still bodies, panic scenes
Several videos on social media showed panicked scenes on the temple premises as several bodies lay motionless on the ground – with people desperately trying to save their loved ones.
Similar scenes also hit hospitals where injured devotees were rushed for treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces ex-gratia
Following reports of the stampede, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia for the deceased and injured.
Ex-gratia of ₹2,00,000 each from PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives, while all the injured will receive ₹50,000, the PMO announced.
“I am pained by the stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured will be healed soon,” PM Modi said.
