New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, which claimed multiple lives and left several others injured.
The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured.
“Pained by the stampede in Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given ₹50,000,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also offered condolences to the bereaved families. In a heartfelt message on X, he described the tragedy as “extremely heartbreaking” and directed officials to ensure speedy medical treatment for the injured.
“The stampede incident at the Venkateswara Temple in Kashibugga in Srikakulam district has caused a shock. The death of devotees in this tragic incident is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” Naidu said. He also instructed local officials and public representatives to oversee the relief and rescue operations personally.
Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer also expressed grief over the loss of lives, confirming that at least nine people had died in the incident.
The stampede occurred when a large crowd of devotees gathered at the temple for Ekadashi celebrations, leading to severe overcrowding and chaos. The injured were quickly shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police arrived promptly to control the situation, but the entire region remains in mourning after the devastating event.
State Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu also extended his condolences to the families and directed health officials to ensure the best medical care for those injured.
