At least 129 people lost their lives in eight crowd crush incidents across India this year, spanning temples, a political rally, a major cricket celebration, and a railway station rush, underscoring chronic gaps in planning, permissions, and crowd control at high-density events. Authorities and courts have ordered probes in multiple cases, with investigators frequently citing inadequate coordination, single-gate bottlenecks, and infrastructure failures such as collapsed railings.
Andhra temple, Srikakulam
Nine people, including a 13-year-old boy, died during Ekadashi rush at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam, after a staircase railing collapsed and panic ensued in a crowd estimated in the tens of thousands. Police said the private temple lacked prior permissions and security arrangements; a three-member inquiry was constituted and ex-gratia was announced by the Centre.
Karur political rally
A stampede at a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam event addressed by actor-politician Vijay in Karur killed 41 and injured over 50, with a High Court judge terming it a “huge man-made disaster” and the Supreme Court later directing a CBI-led probe.
Haridwar temple rush
A surge on the stairway to Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar left nine dead and dozens injured after panic reportedly spread over an electrical cable rumour, prompting a magisterial probe.
Bengaluru victory event
Eleven people died and around 50 were injured amid an estimated three lakh turnout at Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations, with a subsequent government report flagging poor coordination and overwhelming crowd size.
Also read: 9 Dead In Stampede At Venkateswara Swamy Temple In Kasibugga Town of Andhra Pradesh
Goa, Lairai Devi Zatra
Six devotees were killed and about 70 injured at Shirgao’s Lairai Devi Zatra following panic linked to an electric shock incident, with officials noting sloped terrain and a crowd of tens of thousands.
New Delhi railway station
Eighteen died in a crush during a rush for Maha Kumbh-bound trains at New Delhi station, amid heavy unreserved ticketing and confusion over platform announcements, later discussed in Parliament.
Maha Kumbh, Prayagraj
Thirty people were killed and 60 injured during Mauni Amavasya at the Sangam as barricades gave way and devotees funneled into a narrow riverbank strip, leading to a judicial inquiry.
Tirumala ticket rush
Six died at Tirumala’s Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple when a sudden gate opening amid long ticket queues triggered a surge during Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam.
What patterns emerge
Recurring bottlenecks: single or adjacent entry-exit gates, narrow stairways, and collapsible railings repeatedly amplified crush risk.
Permission and planning gaps: multiple incidents involved private or newly opened venues without formal bandobast or capacity plans.
Communication failures: rumours and misannouncements fueled panic, notably in Haridwar and at New Delhi station.
Accountability and action
Courts and governments have ordered probes, with cases transferred to central agencies in the most severe incidents and compensation announced for victims’ families. Police and district authorities have highlighted negligence in permissions and infrastructure upkeep, and constituted inquiry committees to recommend fixes.
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