Tragic Stampede at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam: 9 Dead, Several Injured
November 1, 2025 | Latest Updates
Incident Overview
In a heartbreaking incident on the auspicious day of Karthika Ekadashi, a massive crowd surge at the newly constructed Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple—affectionately known as “Mini Tirupati”—in Kasibugga, Palasa mandal, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, led to a devastating stampede. At least nine devotees, including eight women and a young boy, lost their lives, while over 25 others sustained injuries. The tragedy unfolded around 11:30 AM amid an unprecedented gathering of 15,000 to 25,000 pilgrims, far exceeding the temple’s capacity of 3,000.
- Victims: 9 deceased (8 women, 1 boy aged 13); 25+ injured, with 3 in critical condition transferred to a superspecialty hospital.
- Cause: Overcrowding led to suffocation and a fall on entry steps, triggering a chain reaction. A railing collapse and single entry-exit route exacerbated the chaos.
- Temple Details: Privately built by 95-year-old philanthropist Hari Mukund Panda four months ago; not under government endowments department, no prior crowd estimate shared with authorities.
- Response Time: Officials, including Ministers Nara Lokesh and K. Rammohan Naidu, arrived within minutes via real-time governance coordination.
Condolences from Leaders
- PM Narendra Modi: “Pained by the stampede… Ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh to kin of deceased, Rs. 50,000 to injured.”
- CM N. Chandrababu Naidu: “Extremely heartbreaking… Directed best medical care; ex-gratia Rs. 15 lakh to deceased kin, Rs. 3 lakh for serious injuries.”
- Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan: “Deeply distressing… Praying for the departed souls.”
- Union Minister Amit Shah: “Deeply saddened… Condolences to families.”
- Rahul Gandhi: “Heart goes out to bereaved families… Congress workers to assist in relief.”
- Governor S. Abdul Nazeer & President Droupadi Murmu: Expressed profound grief and prayers for recovery.
Government Actions & Probe
The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the lapses. Minister Nara Lokesh emphasized the need for robust SOPs for private temples, noting this was an “unplanned congregation” of first-time visitors. Union Minister K. Rammohan Naidu highlighted the sudden surge on Ekadashi. Former CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy blamed “negligence,” calling for accountability. The temple owner has been booked for culpable homicide. Rescue operations continue, with focus on critical care and long-term safety measures.
