Stampede at Andhra Pradesh Temple Kills 9, Including a Child

A stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, resulted in the deaths of nine people, including eight women and a boy. The tragedy occurred when a broken iron railing caused devotees on a staircase to fall onto the crowd below. Police have since barred entry to the privately-run temple, stating that the organisers had not sought permission or arranged for police protection for the large religious gathering. A case of culpable homicide has been registered against the temple owner.