VIJAWYADA: At least five devotees died and several others were injured in a stampede at the Venkateswara Swami Temple in Kasibugga, in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district, on Saturday. Reports say thousands of devotees had gathered at the temple to mark Ekadashi — one of Hinduism’s most sacred days, when worshippers fast and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. Police said the crowd swelled beyond control, leading to a stampede near the temple premises. “Several people collapsed as devotees rushed forward at once,” an official said.The injured were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities fear the death toll could rise, as some people were found unconscious after the incident. An inquiry into the incident has been ordered.According to a statement from the Andhra Pradesh chief minister’s office, “A stampede took place at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, leaving several people injured. The incident occurred as a large crowd gathered at the temple on the occasion of Ekadashi.”“The heavy rush of devotees led to overcrowding, resulting in a sudden stampede. The injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police rushed to the spot. State Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu rushed to the accident site immediately. He spoke with the temple authorities to gather details about the incident. Additional police forces have been deployed to the spot,” he added further. Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the loss of lives, describing the incident as “extremely heartbreaking”. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “The stampede incident at the Venkateswara Temple in Kasibugga in Srikakulam district has caused a shock. The death of devotees in this tragic incident is extremely heartbreaking. I have instructed the officials to provide speedy and proper treatment to those who have been injured.”(This is a developing story)