Daijiworld Media Network – Srikakulam

Srikakulam, Nov 1: At least nine devotees were killed in a stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, on the auspicious occasion of Ekadashi. The tragic incident occurred when a massive crowd gathered for darshan, leading to chaos and panic on the temple premises.

According to eyewitnesses, hundreds of devotees — mostly women carrying puja baskets — were seen struggling to move on a narrow staircase when the rush intensified, resulting in a deadly stampede. Heart-wrenching visuals from the site showed people jostling to escape the crush, while several bodies were later seen lying across the temple courtyard.

Police and rescue teams rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. The injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing it as “heartbreaking.” In a statement, he said, “The stampede incident at the Venkateswara Temple in Kasibugga has caused deep shock. The death of devotees in this tragic incident is extremely painful. I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and have instructed officials to provide the best medical care to the injured.”

Naidu also directed local officials and public representatives to visit the site and monitor relief efforts.

State minister Nara Lokesh also conveyed his condolences, calling the tragedy “a day of deep sorrow.” “I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The government is ensuring the best possible treatment for the injured,” he said, adding that he had spoken with local authorities and directed them to extend all necessary assistance to those affected.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the overcrowding and whether there were lapses in crowd management during the temple’s Ekadashi celebrations.