Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Saturday, observed that the lack of proper coordination on the part of the organisers caused the stampede at Venkateswara temple in Kasibugga town, which led to the death of 10 people, and promised that strict action would be initiated against those who were responsible for the incident.
The CM said the temple was constructed by an individual, and due to Kartika Ekadashi, a large number of devotees were gathered at the temple. "“It is extremely painful that innocent people lost their lives in the stampede. I pay my respects to the deceased," he said.
The CM noted that it was unfortunate that the organisers of the event did not inform the local authorities or the police about the event being conducted. "Had they informed us, we would have provided police protection and controlled the crowd. Because of this lack of coordination, ten people lost their lives and five were injured," the CM said while addressing a gathering in Sri Sathya Sai district in the state.
He further said it is unfortunate that such incidents occur during private programmes and added that a full-fledged probe will be conducted, and strict action will be taken against those responsible.
AP Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha too said Kasibugga Venkateswara temple is a private entity and not under the Endowments Department of the state.
Srikakulam Superintendent of Police K.V. Maheswara Reddy confirmed that the accident happened because of the mistake from the part of the owner of the temple. "It is purely an accident and due to the owner's mistake. They haven't applied for police bandobust, there were no permissions also," he told news agency PTI.