At least nine persons were killed in a stampede at the Venkateshwara temple in Kasibugga town of Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district on Saturday, said the Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s office.

Those who died included at least one child.

Several persons were injured and were being treated.

The stampede took place after a large crowd had gathered at the temple on the occasion of Ekadashi, ANI quoted the chief minister’s office as saying.

“The heavy rush of devotees led to overcrowding, resulting in a sudden stampede,” it said.

However, Srikakulam Superintendent of Police KV Maheswara Reddy told The Hindu that it was “not a stampede per se”.

“Nine devotees have been killed and two devotees are battling with severe injuries after they fell down from the wall which is co

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