Sat Nov 01 13:20:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the temple tragedy, based on the provided text:

Nine Killed in Stampede at Andhra Pradesh Temple

Kasibugga, Andhra Pradesh – November 1, 2025 – At least nine devotees died in a stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Palasa Mandal, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, earlier today. The incident occurred due to the collapse of an iron grill near the steps, triggering widespread panic among the large crowd gathered for Karthika Ekadasi celebrations.

Srikakulam Superintendent of Police (SP) K.V. Maheswara Reddy said that the temple owner, Hari Mukunda Panda, has been charged with culpable homicide for negligence leading to the deaths.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed his shock and directed officials to ensure adequate medical treatment for the injured and monitor relief efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Opposition leaders like Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and YSRCP president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy have also expressed condolences and urged the state government to provide necessary assistance to the victims and their families.

Eyewitnesses recounted chaotic scenes as the incident unfolded. Union Minister for Civil Aviation K. Rammohan Naidu, along with other officials, is investigating the cause of the stampede. President Droupadi Murmu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other national leaders have offered their condolences.

This tragedy marks the latest in a series of unfortunate incidents in Andhra Pradesh. Earlier this year, seven people died at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple and six died at the Tirupati temple. Coupled with a recent deadly bus accident and cyclone-related damages, the past week has been particularly devastating for the state.

Authorities have established a control room at the Srikakulam district headquarters to address concerns from devotees. The number is 08942 240557.

Read More