Toll in temple stampede rises to 5

Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, Apr 23 (UNI) With the death of two more devotees, including a woman today, the toll in the stampede at Godman Kalki Bhagwan's Oneness University inauguration at Varadayapalem in this district of Andhra Pradesh yesterday rose to five.

Talking to UNI, Srikalahasti Deputy Superintendent of police (DSP) Chandrashekhar said Subramanyam Satirlingam (58) from Jaffna in Sri Lanka and Lakshmamma from Guntur died today.

A scramble for water among thirsty devotees led to the incident during a function in which over more than one lakh people had congregated.

Unofficial sources said a larger number of injured devotees were admitted to various hospitals in TADA in Nellore and Chittoor districts.

A case was registered against the temple authorities and prohibitory orders under Sec 144 imposed around the premises, the DSP said adding an inquiry was on.

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