PM Modi announces ex-gratia for victims' families in Andhra stampede
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences to the victims of a stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district. The incident occurred on Saturday when thousands of devotees gathered for Ekadashi, a holy day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple, which can accommodate 3,000-5,000 devotees, was overcrowded with over 25,000 people, leading to the tragic event.
Relief fund
PM Modi announces relief for victims' families
In the wake of the tragedy, PM Modi announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the kin of those who lost their lives in the stampede. He also announced ₹50,000 for those injured in the incident. "Pained by the stampede in Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Twitter Post
PMO's post announcing ex-gratia compensation
Pained by the stampede in Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 1, 2025
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who…
National mourning
President Murmu, Home Minister Shah express grief
President Droupadi Murmu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed their grief over the incident. President Murmu said she was "shocked" by the tragic incident and extended her condolences to the bereaved families. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the mishap. Similarly, Home Minister Shah termed himself "deeply shocked" by what happened at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple.
State response
Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu expresses condolences
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also expressed his condolences over the loss of lives in this tragic incident. He directed officials to ensure speedy and proper treatment for those injured. He said, "I have requested the local officials and public representatives to visit the site of the incident and oversee the relief measures."
Legal scrutiny
Temple not registered under Endowments Department
State government sources told CNN-News18 that the tragedy took place at a privately managed temple not registered under the Endowments Department. The organizers had not taken permission for the event, and state authorities were unaware of the gathering. The situation was exacerbated as devotees were gathered in an unfinished area with only one entry and exit point.