A large number of devotees turned up for the temple on account of ‘Ekadashi’ during Karthikamasam
Visakhapatnam: A stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, on Saturday claimed nine lives and left 15 others injured during the Karthika Ekadashi celebrations.
The stampede started after a railing collapsed at the temple entrance, leading to devotees falling approximately six feet from the staircase. Seven people died at the scene, while two others succumbed to injuries while being treated at the hospital.
Among the deceased, eight are women and one is Lotla Nikhil, 13 years’ old boy. The deceased women have been identified as Eduri Chinnammi (50), Rapaka Vijaya (48), Muripinti Neelamma (60), Duvvu Rajeshwari (60), Chinni Yashodamma (56), Baki Kalavathi (50), Duvvu Kumari (25), and Bora Brindavati (62).
Of the 15 injured, three are in a serious condition, while 10 are reportedly stable. Another two seriously injured devotees have been transferred to James Hospital in Srikakulam for advanced treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured.
Endowments minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy said the temple, where the stampede occurred, is private and not under the jurisdiction of Endowments department. He said temple administrators did not inform the government about security arrangements.
Talking to this correspondent, Srikakulam SP K.V. Maheshwar Reddy said, "The temple owner did not apply for permission or security arrangements. The railing of the staircase at the entrance of the temple collapsed, leading to devotees falling from approximately six feet height. We have registered a case of culpable homicide."
According to an initial report of the MRP, approximately 15,000 devotees had gathered at the temple. Temple administrator Harimukund Panda admitted he did not anticipate the massive turnout. Normally, around 2,000 devotees visited the temple during the past. "I didn't inform the police as I didn't expect such a turnout," Panda maintained.
One woman who witnessed the incident, however, said, “When the temple opened the gates suddenly, people rushed forward. The railing collapsed in the melee.”
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. "It is extremely painful that devotees have lost their lives in the stampede.” Home minister Vangalapudi Anitha has ordered a comprehensive investigation, directing DGP Harish Kumar Gupta to probe the incident.
Srikakulam collector Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar has formed a three-member inquiry committee comprising Tekkali RDO M. Krishnamurthy, Srikakulam ASP K.V. Ramana, and Endowments assistant commissioner Prasad Patnaik. The committee is to submit a report immediately.
Live Updates
- 1 Nov 2025 1:25 PM IST
Newly Built Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam Draws Large Devotee Turnout
Devotees have begun visiting the newly constructed Venkateswara Swamy Temple, which was inaugurated for darshan in May. The temple, built on a 12-acre private plot by Harimukund Panda, was constructed over four years at a cost of around Rs 20 crore. Every Saturday, large numbers of devotees flock to the temple to offer prayers, highlighting its growing popularity in the region.
- 1 Nov 2025 1:17 PM IST
Railing Collapse Triggers Deadly Stampede at Kasibugga Temple in Srikakulam
According to preliminary information, the stampede is believed to have occurred when a railing in the queue area collapsed, causing panic among the large crowd of devotees.
- 1 Nov 2025 1:14 PM IST
Home Minsiter Anitha Express Shock Over the Stampede
AP Home Minister Anitha has expressed deep shock over the tragic stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kashibugga, Srikakulam district, which claimed several lives. She instructed the officials to conduct a detailed probe into the circumstances that led to the stampede.
- 1 Nov 2025 1:05 PM IST
Former minister Seediri Appalraju provides emergency medical aid to stampede victims in kasibugga
Kasibugga: Former Minister and YSRCP Doctors Cell President Dr. Seediri Appalraju rushed to the site of the tragic stampede in Kasibugga soon after the incident and extended immediate medical assistance to the victims.
Demonstrating his commitment as both a public representative and a doctor, Dr. Appalraju personally administered CPR to the critically injured victims inside the ambulance and ensured that the injured were promptly shifted to nearby hospitals for advanced treatment.
His timely intervention and hands-on efforts helped save several lives and brought much-needed relief to the victims’ families during the crisis.
- 1 Nov 2025 12:33 PM IST
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed grief over the stampede and instructed the officials to intensify the rescue operations.
