Stampede at Andhra Temple Kills At Least Nine

A deadly stampede struck the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, during Ekadashi observances, killing at least nine people and injuring dozens, with some outlets later citing higher tolls. Officials say severe overcrowding—reports say crowds far exceeded the temple’s capacity—and an allegedly failed iron queue-grille triggered the uncontrolled rush. Harrowing video showed devotees collapsing and being trampled while police, reinforcements and medical teams rushed victims to nearby hospitals and authorities opened an inquiry. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences; Modi announced compensation for victims and directed relief measures. The privately run 12-acre shrine has come under scrutiny for inadequate crowd management, and among the dead was a 21-year-old nursing student from Odisha, R. Roopa.