Goa, Nov. 3 -- A tragic stampede at the newly constructed Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, claimed the lives of nine devotees - eight women and a child - during Ekadashi celebrations on Thursday.

The temple, locally known as 'Chinna Tirupati' or 'Mini Tirupati', was built just four months ago by 94-year-old devotee Hari Mukunda Panda. Modeled after the famous Tirumala Venkateswara Swamy Temple, it had quickly become a popular pilgrimage spot despite still being under construction.

According to officials, the tragedy occurred when a massive crowd gathered at the temple to offer prayers, resulting in a sudden stampede.

In the aftermath, temple founder Hari Mukunda Panda admitted that he had not informed lo...