PM Modi, CM Naidu Condole Loss as Nine Die in Andhra Temple Stampede
At least nine people lost their lives and several others were injured in a stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, on Friday. The tragedy occurred during a crowded religious event when panic broke out among devotees. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to ensure the best possible medical care for those injured and ordered an inquiry into the cause of the stampede. Rescue operations were carried out swiftly, with police and local authorities working to restore order at the site. The incident has raised questions about crowd management and safety measures at major religious gatherings, prompting the state government to review procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
