Andhra Temple Stampede: 10 Devotees Crushed to Death in Stampede; Massive Planning Failure Eyed

This special report focuses on the tragic stampede at the Kasibugga Venkateswara Swami Temple in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district, where at least 10 devotees lost their lives on the auspicious day of Ekadashi. The incident raises serious questions about crowd management and safety protocols, as key figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu have expressed condolences. As the anchor questioned, 'If they weren't prepared, then why play with the lives of these devotees in the first place?'. The stampede is attributed to a massive surge of worshippers at the private temple, which had a single entry and exit point and an area under construction. Prime Minister Modi has announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the PM's National Relief Fund. An inquiry has been ordered to determine accountability for the devastating lapses.