A stampede tragedy has unfolded at Venkateshwara Swamy temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam, which has claimed the lives of at least 10 people and left many others injured on Saturday. The heart wrenching incident took place when a massive crowd of devotees gathered at the temple on the occasion of Ekadashi; the heavy rush of devotees resulted in overcrowding and led to a stampede. Doleful visuals are making rounds on the internet of people screaming, weeping, and trying to escape the stampede.
Ex Gratia Announced
Extending condolences to those who lost their lives and others who are injured, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he is “pained” by the loss and prays that the injured recover soon. Furthermore, he announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each from the PMNR to the next of kin of those who lost their lives and R5,50,000 to those who sustained injuries.
Condolences by other Politicians
“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 officials to provide speedy and proper treatment to those who have been injured,” Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu said.
“The stampede at the Kasibugga Venkateswara Temple has caused the deaths of several devotees, plunging us into profound shock. 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,” Andhra minister Nara Lokesh said.
“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,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah said.
