Andhra Temple Horror: 10 Dead in Stampede, Political Blame Game Erupts

This special report focuses on the tragic stampede at the privately-run Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, which has claimed at least nine lives. Key political figures, including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, have responded to the crisis. In a statement, the Congress chief said, 'we are deeply pained by the tragic loss of lives, also adding that crowd management guidelines are imperative.' The incident, which occurred on the auspicious day of Ekadashi, was reportedly caused by the collapse of a steel railing amidst a massive, unmanaged crowd. Chief Minister Naidu has ordered a probe into the incident, highlighting that temple organizers failed to seek permission or inform authorities, which prevented necessary security measures. The government has announced that strict action will be taken against those responsible for the lapses.