Odisha Woman Among 10 Killed in Stampede at Andhra Pradesh Temple

Bhubaneswar: A 21-year-old woman from Odisha was among ten devotees who lost their lives in a tragic stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh on Saturday.

The deceased has been identified as Rangala Rupa, a resident of Gudipadar village under Patrapur block in Ganjam district. Another woman from Odisha, who had accompanied her, reportedly sustained critical injuries in the incident.

According to reports, thousands of devotees had gathered at the temple in Kasibugga to observe Ekadasi celebrations when massive overcrowding led to a stampede, claiming at least ten lives, including women and children. Rescue teams and local volunteers rushed to the spot to assist the injured and recover bodies from the packed temple premises.

Expressing deep grief over the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Andhra Pradesh Governor Justice S. Abdul Nazeer (Retd), and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu conveyed their condolences to the bereaved families.

In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister wrote, “Pained by the stampede in Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon.”

The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured in the mishap.

Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have launched an investigation into the incident and measures are being taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.