Devotees gather at Venkateswara temple at Kasibugga in Srikakulam district on Saturday

Kasibugga: At least nine people--eight women and a boy--were killed and several others injured in a crush that occurred at the Venkateswara Swamy temple here in Srikakulam district on Saturday. At least seven of those dead were in the age group of 35-40.

State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha said the temple, a private one and not under the Endowments Department, usually witnesses a turnout of 1,500 to 2,000 devotees every Saturday. In view of Ekadasi being observed on Saturday, and that too in 'Karthika Masam', the shrine drew an unusually huge throng.

According to the Minister, the temple is located at an elevation on the first floor, and when the devotees were climbing the stairs, the railing brok

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