A devastating stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kashibugga, Andhra Pradesh, claimed at least 12 lives and left many injured on November 1, 2025, during the auspicious Karthika Ekadashi festival. Hundreds of fervent devotees had converged on the temple, drawn by the day's spiritual significance in the Hindu calendar — a time for fasting, prayers, and seeking Lord Venkateswara's blessings for prosperity and peace. The surge for darshan turned fatal when overcrowding sparked panic, leading to a deadly crush near the sanctum.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of horror: families separated, cries echoing amid the throng, as the crowd swelled beyond capacity. Local reports indicate the tragedy unfolded around morning peak hours, with preliminary probes pointing to inadequate crowd management and narrow entry points as triggers. Rescue teams, including NDRF units rushed from Vijayawada, pulled survivors from the melee, while ambulances ferried the wounded to nearby hospitals like Tirupati Government General Hospital. Authorities have launched an inquiry, with Andhra Police registering FIRs and promising swift action against negligence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing profound grief, stated he was “pained” by the loss and announced ₹2 lakh ex-gratia from the PM's National Relief Fund for each deceased's kin. Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu labeled it an “extremely heartbreaking” event, directing top officials to ensure immediate medical aid and site inspections. “I've instructed relief measures and public representatives to oversee support,” Naidu posted on X, vowing comprehensive rehabilitation.
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Minister Nara Lokesh echoed the shock: “This tragedy has left us in profound mourning.” Community leaders and temple trusts have suspended darshan temporarily, with 24/7 counseling for grieving families. As floral tributes pour in, the nation mourns — a stark reminder that sacred fervor must never eclipse safety.
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