At least 10 people lost their lives in a stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kashibugga town in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam. Several people were also injured in the tragic incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, and other politicians expressed grief over the loss of lives.
The incident occurred on Saturday 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. The death toll is expected to rise as the condition of some of the injured devotees are in critical condition.
Expressing grief over the incident, the Prime Minister’s Office said, “The stampede that occurred at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and family members. I pray that the injured recover quickly. We are providing Rs. 2 lakh ex gratia through PM NR Fund to the relatives of those who lost their lives, and Rs. 50,000 to the injured: Prime Minister @narendramodi.”
Amit Shah:
Shah prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. “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,” the Union Home Minister said.
