Actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, which claimed at least 12 lives and left several others injured on November 1, 2025. Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Sood wrote, “Heartbroken by the tragic stampede at Venkateshwara Temple in Srikakulam. Prayers for the victims and their families. Such preventable tragedies must end — strict safety measures are long overdue. Let’s stand with and support the families who lost their loved ones.”
According to early reports, the incident occurred during the Ekadashi rush, when a railing collapsed in a narrow passageway, leading to chaos among devotees — many of them women carrying puja baskets. Eyewitness videos circulating online showed rescue efforts by locals and temple authorities as emergency services rushed to the site.
Sood’s message resonated widely online, with thousands joining him in mourning the victims and demanding accountability. Known for his tireless humanitarian work, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis and natural disasters, the actor has often stepped forward to provide financial and logistical support to affected families across India.
With his heartfelt appeal, Sonu Sood once again underscored the urgent need for stringent crowd management and safety protocols at major religious gatherings. His words reflected both compassion and a call to action — reminding authorities that faith and safety must go hand in hand to prevent such tragedies in the future.