Srikakulam Temple Stampede: Devotees Surround Minister Atchannaidu, Demand Answers

Agriculture Minister and Tekkali MLA Atchannaidu, along with MLA Gouthu Sireesha, faced the wrath of devotees at the Kasibugga Venkateswara Swamy Temple following a stampede that claimed nine lives.

A group of women surrounded the Minister, expressing anger at him and the TDP government, holding them responsible for the tragedy. They criticized the government’s negligence in ensuring adequate crowd management measures.

The two legislators stood silently, unable to respond to the anguished cries of devotees mourning the grievous tragedy.

Tragedy struck the famous Shivalayam at Kasibugga in Srikakulam district on Saturday, as nine people were killed in a stampede.

Heart-wrenching visuals from the site depicted devotees struggling to free themselves from the swelling crowd.

Among the deceased were children, and the toll is expected to rise further. Early reports suggest the stampede was triggered when a railing gave way under the pressure of the crowd. Devotees in two queues—entering and exiting the temple—stormed the area where the incident occurred.

Footage showed a mother crying inconsolably as her daughter lay unconscious at the site. The tragedy has once again drawn criticism toward the TDP-led NDA government for failing to implement proper crowd control measures.

Under the TDP government, this is the second major temple stampede this year. In January, a stampede occurred in Tirupati near a token distribution centre for Vaikunta Ekadashi at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple, claiming at least six lives.

The State government, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has faced backlash for its delayed response.

Devotees alleged that no police or medical units were stationed, despite the temple attracting large crowds during Tholi Ekadasi every year. The Kasibugga Shivalayam, often called Chinna Tirupati, holds immense reverence and importance in the region.