Andhra Stampede: 10 Devotees Die During Ekadashi Rush At Venkateswara Swamy Temple

Kasibugga, AP: At least 10 died after a stampede-like situation during Ekadashi celebrations at the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, on Saturday. According to officials, the tragedy unfolded when a large crowd of worshippers thronged the temple premises early in the morning. The sudden surge of devotees led to overcrowding near the sanctum, resulting in chaos and a stampede-like situation. Eyewitnesses said panic spread quickly as people struggled to move to safety amid the crush of the crowd.Police personnel were immediately rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control, while the injured were swiftly taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.In an official statement, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office

(CMO) said, “A stampede took place at the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, leaving several people injured. The incident occurred as a large crowd gathered at the temple on the occasion of Ekadashi. The heavy rush of devotees led to overcrowding, resulting in a sudden stampede. The injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police rushed to the spot.”

శ్రీకాకుళం జిల్లాలోని కాశీబుగ్గ వెంకటేశ్వర ఆలయంలో జరిగిన తొక్కిసలాట ఘటనపై ముఖ్యమంత్రి చంద్రబాబు నాయుడు గారు దిగ్భ్రాంతిని వ్యక్తం చేసారు. దైవ దర్శనానికి వచ్చిన భక్తులు ఇలా మరణించడం అత్యంత విషాదకరం అన్నారు. మృతుల కుటుంబాలకు ప్రగాఢ సానుభూతిని తెలియజేసారు. గాయాల పాలైన వారికి…

— CMO Andhra Pradesh (@AndhraPradeshCM) November 1, 2025

The statement further confirmed that State Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu visited the site soon after the incident to assess the situation. “State Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu rushed to the accident site immediately. He spoke with the temple authorities to gather details about the incident. Additional police forces have been deployed to the spot,” the CMO added.Authorities have since restored order at the temple, and an inquiry into the cause of the overcrowding has been initiated. Further details on the incident, like the death toll, are awaited.