Kasibugga (Andhra Pradesh), Nov 2 (PTI) Claiming he was not responsible for the tragic stampede at Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple here that left nine devotees dead, the 94-year-old founder of the temple has said devotees rushed on their own during the gathering.

He further said he had not informed the police as he thought everything would be normal like any other day and did not expect such a big crowd on Saturday.

Nine people--eight women and a boy--were killed and many others injured in the stampede at the temple constructed by Panda on his own land, here in Srikakulam District, on Saturday.

The tragedy was worsened by the Ekadasi observance coinciding with 'Karthika Masam', drawing large crowds.

"What should I do if so many people come at once? I usually send everyone in line but yes

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