Andhra temple stampede: Victims’ families to get Rs 2 lakh compensation, injured to receive Rs 50,000, says PM Modi

Andhra Temple tragedy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for the injured in the Andhra temple stampede at Srikakulam’s Venkateswara Swamy Temple.

Andhra temple stampede: PM Modi announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased (File photo).

Andhra temple stampede: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a compensation of Rs. 2 lakh each from the PMNRF for the families of those who were killed in the Andhra Temple stampede on Saturday. Rs 50,000 ex gratia has been announced for the injured.

“Pained by the stampede in Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” PM Modi said.

Also Read | Andhra temple stampede: How the Srikakulam Venkateswara Temple stampede started

Two children were among nine people killed in the stampede at Venkateshwara temple in Srikakulam.

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Following reports of the tragedy, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed local authorities and public representatives to rush to the temple site and oversee rescue and relief operations.

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh said he had spoken with officials, district minister Achchennaidu, and local MLA Gauthu Shirish soon after learning about the incident. “I have instructed that immediate support be extended to those affected,” he said.

Crowd Surge on Ekadashi Leads to Chaos

Saturdays typically draw a heavy crowd of devotees to the Kashibugga temple, but the rush was significantly higher this week as November 1 coincided with Ekadashi.

The stampede reportedly began when devotees in the women’s queue started pushing for space. Despite the presence of barricades and railings to manage the flow, the pressure of the crowd caused the structures to collapse. Several people fell, creating panic and triggering the deadly rush.

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