‘Deeply Pained’: PM Modi Condoles Srikakulam Temple Stampede Victims; Chandrababu Naidu and Other Leaders Also React

Srikakulam: At least ten devotees, mostly women and children, lost their lives and thirteen others were injured in a massive stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, on Saturday.

According to officials, the incident occurred due to an overwhelming rush of devotees who had gathered at the temple on the auspicious occasion of Ekadashi — a holy day that drew thousands of worshippers.

The Kasibugga sub-division in-charge DSP Lakshman Rao said the stampede occured at Venkateswara Temple at around 11:30 am when a large crowd came together at the temple at the same time. Rescue operations started right away, but officials worried the death count might go up. The injured people were taken fast to nearby hospitals for treatment, while disturbing pictures from the temple premises showed devotees lying motionless on the ground.

Notably, The Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, run by private shrine and not by the Endowments Department, was opened only four months back. The crowd held here without prior government approval. The area was still being built, and both ways in and out were the same. When the steel railings fell down, fear spread, causing the stampede.

PM Modi, President Murmu, Chandrababu Naidu, and Other Leaders Express Grief

How did Prime Minister Narendra Modi react?

President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) posts

What did the state authorities do after the incident?

The Chief Minister’s Office said police and emergency groups got to the spot soon to stop the mess. State Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu came quickly after to check the case. More police staff were sent for crowd handle and help tasks.

PM Modi Announces Relief Amount

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives of loved ones and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. He announced Rs 2 lakh pay from the PMNRF fund for each dead person’s family and Rs 50,000 for each for the injured.

What was Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s response?

Andhra Pardesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also expressed deep shock over the stampede, calling the loss of lives “extremely heartbreaking.” He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and directed officials to ensure prompt medical care for the injured.

How did other political leaders respond?

Following them, other leaders, such as former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, expressed deep shock and grief over the tragic stampede. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampede. He offered condolences to the families of the devotees who lost their lives and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident.