Overview
- Srikakulam district collector confirmed 10 fatalities, including seven at the scene and three during treatment, with several others injured.
- The Andhra Pradesh CMO said a heavy rush for Ekadashi prayers caused severe overcrowding that triggered a sudden crowd surge.
- Rescue and medical efforts are ongoing as police bolster deployment; Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu reached the site and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu ordered urgent care for the injured.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia payments of Rs 2 lakh for families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the PMNRF.
- Reporting points to potential lapses at the privately managed shrine, including no prior government permission, an under-construction assembly area, and shared entry and exit points, and authorities have begun an inquiry.