After stampede left 9 dead, Andhra Pradesh govt could take over management of private temple

Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy said the state government would issue safety guidelines once again to all temples, including privately managed ones. “We have formed a full-fledged inquiry committee. The government is fully prepared to take over and develop the temple, which is not fully completed.”

“Special attention will also be paid to the security of temples not under the jurisdiction of the Endowment Department. Security and safety standards are mandatory during festivals. We will form an advisory committee and start the development of private temples. We will take appropriate measures for the safety of devotees, arrangements, entry routes, and emergency services. We will prepare a safety list of all temples, regardless of whether they are government or private,” he said.

Of the 31 people injured in the stampede, all except three have been discharged from hospital, officials said. Two of the three still undergoing treatment are said to be seriously injured and were taken to GEMS Hospital in Srikakulam.

The privately built and managed Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Kashibugga remained closed after Saturday’s tragedy, and 90-year-old owner, Hari Mukunda Panda, faces a culpable homicide case. A five-member team has started an inquiry into the incident.

On Sunday, the probe team set up by District Collector Swapnil Dinakar interviewed some of the injured persons.
Minister Anam Ramanara-yana Reddy said the advice of priests would be taken before reopening the temple, which was originally opened just four months ago.

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