At least 10 killed in stampede at temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam

At least 10 people were killed and several others injured in a stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, on Saturday, after overcrowding during Ekadashi led to chaos among devotees.

The injured were taken to nearby hospitals, and police soon brought the situation under control.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock and offered condolences on X, calling the incident “extremely heartbreaking” and directing officials to ensure urgent medical care for the injured. Minister Nara Lokesh also conveyed grief, saying the tragedy had cast a shadow over the sacred occasion, and assured that the government was providing all necessary assistance.

The stampede comes just months after a similar incident in Tamil Nadu’s Karur on September 27, where 41 people were killed and over 50 injured during a rally led by actor-politician Vijay.