Andhra CM blames organisers after stampede at Venkateswara Swamy Temple kills 12

Speaking at an event in the Sri Sathya Sai district, Naidu said the temple was privately owned and that the organisers had failed to inform authorities about the large gathering planned for Kartika Ekadashi.

“It is extremely painful that innocent people lost their lives in this tragic incident. A private individual built the Venkateswara temple at Kashi Bugga, and due to Kartika Ekadashi, a large number of devotees assembled there," the Chief Minister said.

"Unfortunately, the organisers did not inform the police or local administration. Had they done so, we would have ensured crowd control and police protection. Because of this lack of coordination, ten people lost their lives and five others were injured,” he added.

He announced that a detailed investigation had been ordered and promised strict action against those responsible.

“The government is committed to ensuring that such tragedies are never repeated. A comprehensive inquiry will be conducted, and accountability will be fixed,” Naidu said.

Expressing grief over the deaths, the Chief Minister directed officials to visit the site, oversee rescue and relief operations, and ensure the injured receive the best medical treatment.

“The loss of lives in this unfortunate incident is deeply saddening. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” he said in a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

The CMO also confirmed that Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu and other senior officials rushed to the spot to coordinate rescue efforts and monitor the situation.

“The stampede occurred when a large number of devotees gathered for Ekadashi celebrations, leading to overcrowding. The injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals,” the statement added.

Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh described the tragedy as “deeply shocking.”

In a post on X, he wrote, “The stampede at the Kasibugga Venkateswara Temple, which claimed several lives, is deeply distressing. On the auspicious day of Ekadashi, such a tragedy is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.”

Lokesh said he had spoken with district authorities and directed them to provide immediate assistance to the injured.

“Our government is ensuring the best possible medical care. I have been in touch with Minister Atchannaidu and local MLA Gauthu Sirisha to ensure swift relief,” he said.

Disturbing visuals from the temple showed chaotic scenes as a massive crowd surged toward the temple premises, leading to a sudden stampede.

Several devotees were seen lying motionless on the ground as others scrambled to help.

Police and disaster response teams carried out rescue operations, warning that the death toll could rise further.