Overview
- State authorities confirmed a stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam with at least nine dead and several injured.
- Some outlets reported 10 fatalities as rescue teams worked at the scene and hospitals treated critical cases.
- Police reinforced security after the mid-morning crush during Ekadashi rituals, with the incident reported around 11:30 am.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia payments of Rs 2 lakh for next of kin and Rs 50,000 for the injured, and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu offered condolences.
- Reports highlighted management lapses at the private shrine, including no prior approval, a single entry–exit and an active construction area, as a formal probe gets underway.