• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Venkateswara Swamy Temple Stemped: Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh stated that excessive crowding at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam caused severe suffocation, triggering a stampede during Ekadashi darshan. The incident claimed nine lives and left several devotees injured. The minister described the event as deeply unfortunate and explained the factors that contributed to the mishap.

Lokesh told reporters that the privately-managed temple saw an unexpected surge of devotees early in the day. Darshan timings are from 6 am to 12 pm, with a break before resuming at 3 p.m. However, with only one entry and exit route, chaos broke out when the entry gate was closed around 11:30 a.m. due to the heavy influx. 

ALSO READ: Venkateswara Temple Stampede: Jagan Mohan Tears Into Naidu Govt After Nine Killed In Stampede, 'Failed To Protect Lives'

The minister said that though separate entry and exit gates exist, the entry gate was shut amid the rush, forcing many devotees toward the exit path and causing overcrowding and suffocation.

“This is a private temple. From morning 6 to afternoon 12, they do darshans, then they take a break, then again at 3 pm they reopen the temple. The temple has clearly 2 ways - one is entry and the other is exit. At 11.30 am, because there was an unknown amount of rush, the entry point was closed. So, a lot of people who came felt that they could go through the exit route. That created a lot of suffocation. The entry has steps, so the person on the top tripped and fell, this resulted in a cascading effect. Also, the queue planners were not planning for such a crowd. The majority of those who passed away are women,” he said.

He said the government acted within minutes of receiving the alert, launching coordinated rescue operations through local officials, the Home Minister, and the state disaster management network.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced an ex-gratia of Rs 15 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 3 lakh for those seriously injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also approved Rs 2 lakh compensation for the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those with major injuries. Three critically injured devotees have been moved to a superspecialty hospital.

“CM has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 15 Lakhs for the deceased and Rs 3 Lakhs for those with serious injuries. As soon as this happened, we informed the PMO. PM Modi has announced Rs 2 Lakhs ex-gratia for the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the people who have had grievous injuries,” he further added. 

Lokesh assured that the government will extend full support to affected families and provide necessary medical equipment at their homes if needed. He added that a committee will submit a report soon, following which a formal standard operating procedure (SOP) will be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.

“The CM has clearly asked us to come up with an SoP once a committee gives the report to ensure that such an incident never happens again," he said.

YSR Congress Party Slams Andhra Pradesh Govt

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed deep shock and grief over the tragedy, alleging that the government had failed to take adequate precautions despite past incidents. He recalled earlier tragedies, including the deaths of six devotees during Vaikuntha Ekadasi in Tirupati and seven others at the Simhachalam temple.

ALSO READ: Andhra Temple Stampede: 9 Dead, Who Is Responsible? CM Naidu Vows Action, Jagan Alleges 'Utter Negligence' | 10 Key Facts

“This repeated loss of innocent lives reflects the inefficiency of Chandrababu Naidu's administration,” Reddy added.

Also In News