Andhra Temple Stampede: 9 Dead in Tragic Rush During Teppotsavam Festival
In a heartbreaking incident, at least nine devotees lost their lives and dozens were injured in a stampede at Andhra Pradesh’s Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple. The tragedy occurred late on Saturday during the annual Teppotsavam (floating festival) in Antharvedi, Kurnool district, as thousands gathered for the ritual. Authorities have launched a high-level probe amid growing concerns over crowd management failures.
How Did the Stampede Happen?
Eyewitnesses reported chaos when devotees rushed toward the temple’s ghat (river steps) to board ceremonial boats. The narrow pathway, combined with insufficient barricades, triggered a deadly crush. Nine victims—mostly women and elderly pilgrims—died from suffocation or drowning, while 15 others remain critically injured. Rescue efforts were hampered by the massive crowd.
Government Action & Compensation
Andhra Pradesh CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy announced ₹10 lakh ex-gratia for each deceased family and free medical care for the injured. A probe will examine alleged lapses, including poor crowd control and inadequate police deployment.
Eyewitnesses Blame Temple Authorities
Survivors accused organizers of negligence: “No queues, minimal security,” said one pilgrim. Opposition leaders, including TDP’s N. Chandrababu Naidu, condemned the state’s “failure to prevent predictable tragedies.”
History of Stampedes & Calls for Reform
India has witnessed similar disasters, like the 2013 Madhya Pradesh (115 deaths) and 2008 Jodhpur stampedes (224 deaths). Experts urge digital ticketing, AI surveillance, and staggered entries to enhance safety.
Next Steps
The state has heightened security at other temples during festivals. The incident underscores the need for stricter safety protocols at religious events.
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