At least 10 people were killed and several others injured in a tragic stampede at the Venkateswara temple in Kasibugga town of Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district on Saturday.

The incident took place around 11:30 am during the Ekadashi festivities, which reportedly drew a large crowd to the temple premises.

Andhra Pradesh Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy says, “We have received information that 10 people have died in a stampede at the temple. Minister Atchannaidu and other officials have reached the spot and are reviewing the situation. The Chief Minister has also responded and issued instructions to us. This temple is privately constructed with the founder’s own funds.”

He further clarified that the temple had no official registration with the government. “This temple was privately constructed with the founder’s own funds. The government, the Endowments Department, and district authorities do not have any official records of this temple. The organisers conducted the Ekadashi festivities without obtaining the necessary permissions,” he said.