Tragedy at Kasibugga Temple Claims Nine Lives and Minister Lokesh responds

On the auspicious occasion of Karthika Ekadashi, a massive crowd gathered at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district. What began as a devotional celebration turned into a devastating stampede, leaving nine devotees dead, including eight women and a child, and injuring several others.

The temple premises were overwhelmed by thousands of devotees seeking blessings. The rush intensified during the early hours, and without adequate crowd control or emergency protocols, panic spread rapidly. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people falling over each other in narrow pathways.

Minister Nara Lokesh visited the site and met with the injured at the local hospital. He announced ₹15 lakh ex-gratia for each deceased victim’s family and ₹3 lakh for the injured. Lokesh assured that the government would stand by the affected families and promised a full investigation into the incident.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. He criticized the temple authorities for failing to inform local administration about the expected crowd size. An official inquiry has been ordered to determine lapses in safety and coordination.

The opposition YSRCP blamed the state government for repeated temple-related stampedes. They demanded accountability and better crowd management protocols during religious events. The incident has reignited debates on public safety in spiritual gatherings.

Across Andhra Pradesh, temples observed silence and prayer sessions in memory of the victims. Social media was flooded with condolences and calls for reform. Local volunteers and NGOs have stepped in to support grieving families and assist with medical aid.

Following the tragedy, officials are reviewing safety protocols across major temples in the state. Crowd control barriers, emergency exits, and real-time monitoring systems are being considered to prevent future incidents.

While faith remains central to millions, the Kasibugga stampede is a grim reminder of the need for responsible planning and administration. Devotees, temple committees, and government bodies must collaborate to ensure safety without compromising spiritual experience.