Srikakulam: Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and State Minister Nara Lokesh visited a hospital in Srikakulam to meet those injured in a tragic stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh, which resulted in the deaths of nine people, including eight women and one boy. The stampede occurred during a religious event on Ekadashi, when an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 devotees were present at the temple, locally known as “Chinna Tirupati” (Little Tirupati). The temple had recently gained popularity and was hosting a large crowd without prior permission or informing authorities, as it is a privately built and unregistered shrine located on private land.

The tragedy unfolded when an iron grill collapsed, causing several devotees to fall about seven feet, leading to panic and a stampede in the narrow premises with a single entry and exit point. Many devotees were seen jostling and attempting to escape, which exacerbated the chaos. Early reports indicated that some victims died at the scene while others succumbed to injuries later in the hospital. Two individuals remain in serious condition.

Srikakulam Superintendent of Police KV Maheswara Reddy confirmed the incident happened within Kasibugga police station jurisdiction and stated that the temple management did not take proper permissions or inform the police about the religious gathering. Police and emergency teams were dispatched quickly after receiving information, and the situation is now under control. Additional police forces and government officials, including State Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu, were deployed to the scene to assist with rescue and relief efforts.

In response to the tragedy, President Droupadi Murmu expressed shock and condolences on social media. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his sympathies and announced ex gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

An inquiry has been ordered into the incident, with a case registered against the temple’s founder under sections related to culpable homicide and death by negligence. Officials highlight that the temple premises were still partly under construction and lacked adequate arrangements to handle the large crowd on the auspicious day of Ekadashi, contributing to overcrowding and the ensuing stampede.

This tragic event has brought to light issues of safety and regulation at privately operated religious sites, underscoring the need for proper oversight and crowd management to prevent future disasters.

With inputs from PTI