At least nine people, including a child, were killed in a stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kashibugga, Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, on Saturday. The tragic incident occurred during heavy rush of devotees gathered for the Ekadashi festival.
The Andhra Pradesh Governor’s Office expressed “anguish and profound grief” over the loss of lives, attributing the tragedy to an overwhelming crowd of pilgrims.
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Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan confirmed the death toll in a social media post, calling the event “extremely tragic.” He said, “It is deeply saddening that nine devotees, including a child, lost their lives in a stampede while seeking darshan of Lord Venkateswara at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple.”
According to initial reports, the temple is privately managed and not under the Endowments Department. Authorities stated that the organisers had failed to obtain proper approvals for the large gathering, and the area where devotees assembled was still under construction.
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