Odisha Nursing Student Dies in Andhra Temple Stampede; CM Announces Rs 6 Lakh Ex-Gratia
In a heartbreaking incident during Ekadashi celebrations at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Andhra Pradesh, a 21-year-old nursing student from Odisha lost her life in a stampede triggered by overcrowding and panic.
Roopa, a BSc Nursing student from Gudipadar village in Ganjam district, had visited the temple with family members when the tragedy struck.
The stampede occurred as thousands of devotees gathered for darshan, overwhelming the temple’s capacity and causing chaos.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced Rs 6 lakh ex gratia from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to support Roopa’s grieving family.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended condolences, offering Rs 2 lakh to the deceased’s kin and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
One of Roopa’s relatives was critically injured and is currently undergoing treatment. The incident has sparked discussions around crowd management and safety protocols at religious gatherings.
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the stampede, while Odisha officials are coordinating with their counterparts to assist the affected family.
