The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister expressed profound sorrow following a stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in the Kasibugga area of Srikakulam district on Saturday, which tragically claimed ten lives and left several injured.
Speaking at an event in Sri Sathya Sai district, the Chief Minister explained that the fatal incident occurred at a privately constructed Venkateswara temple in Kashi Bugga, where a massive throng had gathered for Kartika Ekadashi.
He lamented on the fact that it is extremely painful that innocent people lost their lives in the stampede. I pay my respects to the deceased." The CM stressed that the tragedy was exacerbated because the organisers failed to inform the police or local authorities about the large-scale event. "Had they informed us, we would have provided police protection and controlled the crowd. Because of this lack of coordination, ten people lost their lives and five were injured," he said.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister's Office had already issued a statement conveying the CM's "profound shock" and directing local authorities to visit the site and closely supervise rescue and relief efforts. "Loss of lives in this unfortunate incident is deeply saddening. I express deepest condolences to the bereaved families," the CM stated, adding that he had instructed officials and public representatives to ensure the injured received the "best possible treatment."
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Following his public address, the CM ordered a full-fledged inquiry into the stampede, assuring that strict action will be taken against those deemed responsible. "The government is committed to ensuring that not a single life is lost, but it is very unfortunate that such incidents occur during private programmes," he added.
Echoing similar sentiments, Nara Lokesh, the state’s Minister for Education and IT, described the tragedy as "deeply shocking," confirming via a post on X that he had immediately contacted officials, the district minister Atchannaidu, and the local MLA, Gauthu Sirisha, to order immediate assistance to the victims.
Disturbing visuals from the temple premises showed the vast crowd struggling to move as the crush occurred, followed by devotees lying motionless on the ground. Police and additional forces rushed to the scene, and relief operations are currently underway, with officials noting that the death toll may yet rise.
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