Andhra Pradesh | Mukunda Panda, the 94-year-old founder and priest of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, has denied any responsibility for the recent stampede that claimed nine lives. He stated that the devotees rushed forward on their own during the religious gathering, and he did not anticipate such a large crowd on that day.
Unforeseen Crowd Surge on Ekadasi
The tragic incident occurred during the Ekadasi observance coinciding with Karthika Masam, a period known for attracting heavy crowds. The sudden surge led to chaos, resulting in the deaths of eight women and one boy, along with several others injured. Panda said he believed the day would proceed normally and therefore did not inform the police in advance.
Priest’s Statement on the Incident
Speaking to the media, Panda explained that he usually manages devotees in an orderly queue, but the overwhelming number of visitors made it impossible to control the crowd. He mentioned that he stayed at the temple until the afternoon without taking a break, as police arrived later to manage the situation.
Temple’s Legal and Safety Concerns
Authorities revealed that the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple, built on Panda’s private land, had not been officially converted for non-agricultural use or registered with the Endowments Department. District Superintendent of Police K. V. Maheshwara Reddy stated that the organizers neither sought mandatory permissions nor requested police protection before holding the event.
Police Investigation Underway
The police confirmed that the temple was operating without proper approvals and had failed to follow safety protocols required for such gatherings. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and an investigation is ongoing to determine accountability for the fatal incident.
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