New Delhi: At least eight people were killed and several more were injured in Kandukur town in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, December 28, when they fell in an open drain during a roadshow of former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
According to Telugu news outlets, the incident took place as a result of a stampede when a large crowd gathered at the meeting venue. The crowd jostled to get closer to Naidu’s vehicle leading to a commotion. Police said several people who were crammed near the Gundamkatta open drainage canal fell into the drain.
The victims were immediately rushed to a local hospital where they died while undergoing treatment. Some of the victims are still critical.
Naidu immediately left the venue and rushed to the hospital and announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the kin of the deceased. He also asked the party leaders to ensure better medical care for the injured.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief was on a three-day tour of the Nellore district as part of his ‘Idem Karma Manarashtraniki’ protest against the YSR Congress Party government. On Wednesday, Naidu launched the roadshow in Kandukur town.
Meanwhile, local Nellore Police said a clear picture would emerge later.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reacting to the incident, said he was pained by the mishap and announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured.
“Pained by the mishap at a public meeting in Nellore, AP. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased and the injured would be given Rs 50,000,” PMO India said in a tweet.
(With PTI inputs)
Note: This article was updated with additional information at 12:10 pm on December 29, 2022.