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Key Points

A tragic stampede at the Shirgaon temple during the Lairai Devi festival claimed six lives and left over 50 injured. Goa CM Pramod Sawant ordered a magisterial inquiry and called an emergency meeting to review the situation. DGP Alok Kumar suggested a rumour may have triggered the stampede, which saw around 150 people fall in the chaos. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed 74 received treatment, with 22 still hospitalized, and assured full medical support.

Key Points: Goa CM Pramod Sawant Orders Inquiry Into Shirgaon Temple Stampede

  • Six dead and 50+ injured in Shirgaon temple stampede
  • DGP cites rumour as possible cause
  • 74 treated, 22 still hospitalized
  • Health Minister Rane assures best medical care
3 min read

Goa CM Pramod Sawant orders magisterial inquiry in Shirgaon stampede

Goa CM Pramod Sawant announces magisterial inquiry after Shirgaon temple stampede kills 6, injures 50 during Lairai Devi festival.

"A magisterial inquiry will be instituted to thoroughly investigate the incident at the Shirgaon Jatra. - Goa CM Pramod Sawant"

Panaji, May 3

The Goa government on Saturday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the tragic stampede during the annual Lairai Devi festival at the Shirgaon temple in Goa, in which six people lost their lives.

In a post on X, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said he will chair a high-level meeting to review the entire situation.

"A magisterial inquiry will be instituted to thoroughly investigate the incident at the Shirgaon Jatra. I will shortly be chairing a high-level meeting to review the entire situation and ensure appropriate action is taken," Goa CM posted on X.

A tragic incident took place during the annual Lairai Devi festival at the Shirgaon temple in Goa on Saturday, leading to the death of six people and injuries to more than 50 others.

DGP Goa Alok Kumar said that the stampede broke out here around a quarter to four in the early morning, maybe because of a rumour.

"The cause is being investigated... Around 150 people fell down during the stampede. Immediately, the Police and volunteers conducted a rescue operation and shifted the injured to the hospital. We contained the incident to a small area, otherwise it could have led to more casualties... Around 1000 police personnel were deployed here yesterday," DGP said.

According to the latest report shared by the Odisha health minister, 74 people have been treated at government hospitals. These include Asilo Hospital in Mapusa, CHC Bicholim, CHC Sankhali, and Goa Medical College (GMC).

Currently, 22 people are still in hospitals. Asilo Hospital is treating 18 patients, CHC Bicholim has 3, and CHC Sankhali has one under observation.

In a social media post, X, Vishwajit Rane wrote, "As per the latest reports, a total of 74 patients have been attended to across government healthcare facilities, including Asilo Hospital (Mapusa), CHC Bicholim, CHC Sankhali, and Goa Medical College (GMC). Currently, 22 patients are undergoing treatment: Asilo Hospital is treating 18 patients, CHC Bicholim has three patients under observation, and CHC Sankhali is monitoring one patient. Sadly, six individuals were brought in dead -- 4 at Asilo Hospital (2 males and two females), and two at CHC Bicholim."

Minister Rane also said a meeting will be held with health officials to make sure all patients get the best care and thanked all healthcare workers for their hard work during this difficult time.

"A meeting with the heads of DHS and GMC, along with the Secretary (Health), will be held shortly to ensure that no stone is left unturned in providing timely and effective treatment. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to public health and to supporting every healthcare worker tirelessly serving on the frontlines," the post reads.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Very sad to hear about this tragedy. Goa government should conduct a thorough inquiry and implement better crowd management systems during festivals. This keeps happening at religious events across India - authorities never learn from past incidents. 😔
P
Priya M.
My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones. The Lairai Devi festival is usually so peaceful - can't believe this happened. Authorities must identify who spread that rumor that caused the stampede. Such negligence cannot be tolerated!
A
Amit S.
While the magisterial inquiry is necessary, why wait for tragedies to happen? Every major religious gathering in India needs proper infrastructure - wider pathways, emergency exits, trained volunteers. We're the world's largest democracy but fail at basic crowd management.
S
Sunita R.
The healthcare workers and police did commendable work in such difficult circumstances. But 1000 police personnel for such a big event? Seems inadequate. Goa being a tourist state should have better protocols for large gatherings. Prayers for the victims 🙏
V
Vikram P.
This is heartbreaking. Just last year we had similar incidents in other parts of India. When will we learn? The inquiry must lead to concrete action - not just another report that gets filed away. Compensation for victims' families should be immediate and substantial.
N
Neha T.
As a Goan, I'm shocked but not surprised. Our festivals are getting more crowded each year but infrastructure remains the same. The government must work with temple committees to implement safety measures. Tourists also visit these events - it affects Goa's image.

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