A somber atmosphere enveloped Sri Varaha Narasimha Swamy Temple in Srikakulam district as a devastating stampede during Maha Shivratri celebrations claimed at least five lives and left several others injured on Saturday.
The Tragic Sequence of Events
The incident occurred around 3:30 PM when thousands of devotees had gathered for the "Abhishekam" ceremony during the Maha Shivratri festivities. Witnesses reported that the stampede began near the temple's main entrance as the crowd surged forward unexpectedly.
Victims and Emergency Response
Among the deceased are four women and one man, all local residents who had come to offer prayers. Emergency services responded immediately, with police and disaster response teams rushing to the scene within minutes.
Local hospitals in Srikakulam have been placed on high alert, with medical teams working tirelessly to treat the injured. The condition of several victims remains critical, according to hospital authorities.
Official Statements and Investigation
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed deep shock over the incident and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the families of each deceased victim. The state government has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
Local police officials confirmed that "preliminary investigations suggest the stampede was triggered by a sudden surge in the crowd near narrow passageways leading to the temple sanctum."
Temple Security Under Scrutiny
The incident has raised serious questions about crowd management measures at religious gatherings across the state. Despite the temple administration's claims of adequate security arrangements, the tragedy highlights the urgent need for improved crowd control protocols during major religious festivals.
Authorities have temporarily suspended temple activities as investigations continue and families mourn their loved ones in this heartbreaking incident that has cast a shadow over the holy festival celebrations.
