Fri May 02 04:26:11 UTC 2025: ## Seven Dead in Simhachalam Temple Wall Collapse; Opposition Demands Inquiry
**VISAKHAPATNAM, Andhra Pradesh –** Seven people died following a wall collapse at the Simhachalam temple in Visakhapatnam, prompting calls for a judicial inquiry from the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). Leader of the Opposition Botcha Satyanarayana accused the state government of prioritizing publicity over the safety of devotees during the Chandanotsavam festival.
Satyanarayana stated that the government failed to adequately prepare for the large influx of devotees, focusing instead on VIPs. He criticized a high-level committee, comprised of five ministers, who had previously assured that devotees would not face inconvenience. He demanded that the committee accept responsibility for the deaths.
Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy visited Visakhapatnam following the incident, offering ₹2 lakh in compensation to each victim’s family from the YSRCP. The opposition leader also called for the state government to provide further compensation as demanded by the victims’ families. The incident occurred on Thursday.
First Piper 