Devotion Turns to Despair: 9 Dead in AP Temple Stampede Due to Gross Negligence

This special report covers the deadly stampede at the Venkateshwara temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, where nine devotees lost their lives. The tragedy has ignited a political firestorm, with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu ordering a probe while his son, Minister Nara Lokesh, visited the site and announced compensation. The YSRCP has sharply criticised the ruling TDP government, with one leader stating, 'These are not accidents — they are state-sponsored deaths caused by indifference and incompetence.' . The incident occurred at a private temple that lacked police permission and proper crowd control for the Ekadashi festival, leading to a fatal collapse of a railing. . Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences and announced ex-gratia for the victims' families. . The report examines the administrative failures and the ensuing political blame game.