Andhra Pradesh temple stampede claims 10 lives
Massive crowd surge at Venkateswara Swami shrine kills 10, injures 30; chaos erupts during religious event in Srikakulam.
Amaravati, November 01, 2025: A tragic stampede during a religious event at a private Venkateswara Swami temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, claimed 10 lives and injured over 30 on Tuesday, as thousands surged forward for blessings amid poor crowd control.
The gathering, held for a deity's special festival, turned deadly when devotees rushed the main altar, leading to a crush that trapped people against barriers and walls. Most victims were women and children from nearby villages, with eight women and two minors among the dead; the injured were rushed to hospitals in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram.
Police and organisers cited inadequate security and narrow access points as factors, with the event lacking prior approval for large-scale attendance. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced ₹5 lakh compensation per family and ordered a magisterial inquiry to prevent repeats at private shrines.
