Andhra Pradesh Stampede Tragedy: Elderly Priest Defends Not Informing Authorities Before Fatal Ekadashi Event

Nov 02, 2025 06:10 pm CST

A tragic stampede at the newly built 'Mini Tirupati' temple in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district resulted in nine deaths during Ekadashi celebrations. The 94-year-old temple founder, Hari Mukunda Panda, faces criticism for failing to alert authorities about the event, while multiple safety lapses have been identified at the overcrowded religious site that had only one entry-exit point.