Nandyala Temple Stampede: 12 Dead, CM Naidu Blames Organisers
A devastating stampede at the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Nandyala, Andhra Pradesh, during the Brahmotsavam festival has claimed 12 lives and left over 20 injured. Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has accused the event organisers of failing to coordinate with authorities, calling the tragedy a result of “lapses in preparation.”
How the Stampede Unfolded
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when a massive crowd rushed toward the temple entrance amid rumours of VIP darshan. Narrow pathways and insufficient barricades led to a fatal crush, with many elderly and women among the victims.
Local authorities struggled with rescue efforts due to the overwhelming crowd. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, where some remain critical.
CM Naidu’s Response and Compensation
CM Naidu, who visited the site, expressed grief and announced:
– ₹10 lakh ex-gratia for each deceased victim’s family
– Free medical care for the injured
– A high-level inquiry to determine accountability
“Had they informed authorities, proper security could have been arranged,” Naidu stated, criticising the organisers’ lack of coordination.
Safety Failures and Political Reactions
Eyewitnesses reported poor crowd management, with inadequate police presence and no clear entry/exit routes. Opposition leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy accused the government of negligence, demanding stricter safety enforcement.
Stampedes in India: A Persistent Issue
Similar tragedies, like the 2013 Madhya Pradesh (115 deaths) and 2008 Jodhpur (224 deaths) stampedes, underscore the need for better measures such as:
– Digital queuing systems
– Reinforced barricades
– Real-time crowd monitoring
Next Steps: Preventing Future Tragedies
The Andhra Pradesh government plans stricter rules for religious events, including mandatory approvals and disaster team coordination. Temple authorities claim they took precautions but admit more could have been done.
This incident highlights the urgent need to balance faith with safety protocols to prevent future disasters.
— Reporting by NextMinuteNews
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