Venkateswara Swamy Temple Stampede

Discover the tragic events of the Venkateswara Swamy Temple stampede. Learn about the impact, safety measures, and community responses in this detailed overview.

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Digital Desk Team, Kolkata

Edited by Saibal Bose

🙏 Heartbreak and Investigation: Latest on the Venkateswara Swamy Temple Tragedy

The auspicious occasion of Ekadashi is marked by devotional fervor. However, it turned into an unimaginable tragedy at a Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, on Saturday. As of the latest reports, a stampede at the temple has tragically claimed the lives of at least nine devotees, predominantly women, and left several others injured.

Venkateswara Swamy Temple Stampede: A Rush of Devotion Turned to Chaos

The temple is often referred to as ‘Chinna Tirupati’ (Little Tirupati) in the area. It saw an extraordinary surge in the crowd on the day. Estimates suggest there were up to 25,000 devotees. This far exceeded its usual capacity and management capacity. Eyewitness accounts and first police reports suggest the chaos was triggered by a combination of factors:

• Railing Collapse: A crucial iron railing near the steps reportedly gave way. It was stressed by the immense pressure of the crowd. This caused a section of people to fall from a height of about six feet. They landed onto those below, creating a terrifying ripple effect of panic.
• Overcrowding and Poor Infrastructure: The temple is privately managed and not registered under the Endowments Department. It allegedly lacked adequate crowd control measures. The temple had a shared route for both entry and exit, compounding the confusion.
• Lack of Permissions: Authorities noted that the organizers had not applied for police security (“bandobust”). They also had not applied for official permissions for such a large gathering. This was a crucial lapse given the expected heavy turnout for Karthika Masam and Ekadashi.

The scenes described were heartbreaking. Devotees, many with puja baskets in hand, were caught in a desperate crush. Some fell over the toppled handrails. Rescuers and relatives were seen frantically attempting CPR in a desperate bid to save lives.⁹

Venkateswara Swamy Temple Stampede: Government Response and Calls for Accountability

The tragedy has drawn immediate reactions from political leaders and authorities:

• Confirmed Casualties: The victims include eight women and one boy. Several others are receiving treatment in local hospitals. Some are reportedly in critical condition.
• Ex-Gratia Announced: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state government have expressed deep sorrow. The PM announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased. He also announced ₹50,000 for the injured from the PM’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
• Inquiry Ordered: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has ordered a swift probe into the incident. He promised strict action against those responsible. He primarily blames the organizers for their negligence and failure to inform authorities.
• Wider Concerns: This incident sadly marks the third major temple tragedy in Andhra Pradesh this year. Earlier, there were similar stampedes at a counter for Tirupati’s Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam tokens in January. Additionally, a wall collapsed at the Simhachalam temple in April. This has renewed urgent calls for better, state-wide crowd management protocols, especially during major religious festivals.

The incident is a painful reminder of the critical need for meticulous planning and coordination. Temple management must work with local authorities to guarantee safety. Devotees throng sacred sites in search of solace and blessings.

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