Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:37pm on 01 Nov 2025,Saturday Spiritual
A stampede at Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kashibugga, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, killed nine people, including two children. Investigations revealed critical safety lapses as the privately-managed temple lacked government registration and operated without required permissions. The event was held in an under-construction zone without informing authorities. On Ekadashi Saturday, approximately 25,000 devotees attended the event, far exceeding the usual 10,000-15,000. Barricades collapsed as crowds jostled in women's queues, triggering panic. The temple's single entry-exit point worsened the crisis, trapping devotees. Authorities were unaware of the gathering's scale. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu ordered a detailed inquiry and proper medical care for the injured, while the tragedy has prompted calls for stricter regulation of private religious establishments.
