SRIKAKULAM: At least nine people are feared dead in a stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, on Saturday.

Devotees had arrived at the temple for darshan on Ekadashi in the holy month of Karthikamasam.

According to initial reports, the crowd swelled beyond expected numbers and authorities were unable to manage the crowd effectively, leading to the stampede.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the incident.

“The stampede at Kashibugga Venkateswara Temple is deeply distressing. It is extremely tragic that devotees have lost their lives in this unfortunate event. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased,” he said in a statement.

He instructed officials to provide immediate medical care to the inju

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