Venkateswara Swamy Temple stampede: At least 10 devotees died while several others were reportedly injured in a stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is situated in Kasibugga and a large number of devotees had gathered on the occasion of Ekadashi.
According to Kasibugga sub-division in-charge DSP Lakshman Rao, “The stampede occurred at the Venkateswara temple in Kasibugga town at around 11.30 am.” While the rescue operations are underway, sources said the death toll is expected to rise further.
Reacting to the stampede, the Prime Minister’s Office took to X and wrote, “Pained by the stampede in 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 recover soon.”
The PMO also announced an ex-gratia. “An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.”
Pained by the stampede in 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 recover soon.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 1, 2025
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu took to X to condole the deaths and wrote, “The stampede incident at the Venkateswara Temple in Kashibugga in Srikakulam district has caused a shock. The death of devotees in this tragic incident is extremely heartbreaking.”
Principal opposition in the state, the YSR Congress Party condemned the deaths and slammed the government for the tragedy. (Theorist photo)
He added, “I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. I have instructed the officials to provide speedy and proper treatment to those who have been injured. I have requested the local officials and public representatives to visit the site of the incident and oversee the relief measures.”
Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh too condoled the deaths. “The stampede at the Kasibugga Venkateswara Temple has caused the deaths of several devotees, plunging us into profound shock. A deep sorrow has gripped us on this Ekadashi day.”
He added, “I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The government is providing better medical treatment to those injured in the stampede. As soon as the information was received, I spoke with the officials, Minister Achchennaidu from the district, and local MLA Gauthu Shirish. I have instructed that immediate assistance be provided to the affected individuals.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took to X and wrote, “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the stampede at the Kashibugga Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. My condolences to the families of the devotees who lost their lives. Praying that the injured may recover at the earliest.”
Opposition slams Naidu government
Meanwhile, principal opposition in the state, the YSR Congress Party condemned the deaths and slammed the government for the tragedy. Taking to X, the party said, “Being the sacred Ekadashi, a huge number of devotees flocked to the Venkateswara Temple in Kashi Bugga, Srikakulam district today Even after knowing about the massive influx of devotees.. the coalition government didn’t make even the bare minimum arrangements. Leading to the stampede Stampede kills 9 devotees.. Dozens of devotees severely injured How many more devotees must become victims of your negligence”.
