Fri Oct 03 05:55:49 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article based on it:

**Summary:**

The Devaragattu Banni Utsavam, an annual festival in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, turned violent, resulting in two deaths and over a hundred injuries. Despite a large police presence and surveillance, rival groups engaged in a violent clash, using sticks and stones, attempting to seize idols during the procession of the deities. The incident occurred during the Vijayadashami celebrations, drawing crowds from multiple states. Authorities are investigating the incident and providing medical assistance to the injured.

**News Article:**

**Two Dead, Over 100 Injured in Violent Clash at Devaragattu Festival in Kurnool**

**KURNOOL, INDIA – October 3, 2025** – Two devotees were killed and over a hundred injured during a violent clash at the Devaragattu Banni Utsavam in Holagunda mandal of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, on Thursday night. The annual festival, which celebrates the slaying of demons by local deities, drew a crowd of over 200,000 from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.

The violence erupted as two rival groups, reportedly armed with thick bamboo sticks and pestles, attempted to seize idols during the procession of Mallamma and Malleshwara Swamy. What was intended as a symbolic stick fight escalated into a full-blown brawl, with participants resorting to blows and stone-pelting.

“The situation quickly spiraled out of control,” said a police spokesperson. “Despite a significant police presence of over 700 personnel and CCTV surveillance, the groups engaged in violent clashes.”

Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos, with devotees collapsing on the ground and women and children fleeing for safety. At least five of the injured are in critical condition and are receiving treatment at the Government General Hospital in Adoni.

Local authorities, including Collector A Siri and Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil, rushed to the scene to assess the situation. Additional police forces were dispatched from Nandyal and Kurnool to restore order. Medical teams are providing assistance to the injured.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred last night,” said Collector Siri. “An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the escalation and to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

The Devaragattu Banni Utsavam is an ancient festival celebrated on Vijayadashami, marking the victory of good over evil.

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