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Key Points

A devastating stampede at the Shree Devi Lairai Temple in Goa has claimed six lives and injured over 30 people during a traditional ritual. Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee strongly criticized the BJP government, arguing that such tragedies are becoming alarmingly common in BJP-ruled states. The incident occurred during the annual Shri Lairai Yatra, where thousands of devotees participate in a ritual involving walking on burning embers. Preliminary investigations suggest overcrowding and poor crowd management were primary factors in this preventable disaster.

Key Points: Abhishek Banerjee Blasts BJP Over Goa Temple Stampede Tragedy

  • Six killed in Goa temple stampede during centuries-old ritual
  • Banerjee calls out BJP's administrative apathy
  • Overcrowding and lack of arrangements led to tragedy
  • Over 30 people injured in early morning incident
2 min read

'Stampedes common in BJP-ruled states': Abhishek Banerjee on Shree Devi Lairai Temple tragedy

Trinamool leader criticizes BJP's administrative failures after deadly Shree Devi Lairai Temple stampede kills six in Goa

"Public safety cannot remain a casualty of systemic negligence - Abhishek Banerjee"

Kolkata, May 3

Trinamool Congress General Secretary and Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee, on Saturday, slammed the BJP government in Goa over the Shree Devi Lairai temple tragic stampede, saying that stampedes are common in BJP-ruled states.

“Deeply anguished by the tragic loss of six lives at the Sree Devi Lairai Temple in Goa. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Such tragedies had been common in BJP-ruled states,” said Abhishek Banerjee in a statement, posted on ‘X’.

He also criticised the BJP over its arguments of double-engine governments at the Centre and the states. “From Hathras to Goa, the recurrence of such tragedies in Double Engine states reflects a disturbing pattern of administrative apathy,” Banerjee said.

He also urged the Goa government to conduct an impartial inquiry and ensure accountability for this preventable loss of life. “Public safety cannot remain a casualty of systemic negligence,” said Banerjee.

Six people were killed and more than 30 were injured after a stampede took place during the Lairai Devi temple in Shirgaon village of Goa. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday.

Preliminary reports suggest the overcrowding and lack of proper arrangements as possible causes behind the incident. According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated after a part of the crowd lost control. Locals and the volunteers at the temple rushed to pull people to safety.

The stampede took place as thousands of devotees thronged the temple to witness and participate in the centuries-old ritual at the temple, where barefoot 'dhonds' walk across a bed of burning embers.

The stampede occurred when, at one point along the route, due to a downward slope, the crowd began moving rapidly all at once. The Shri Lairai Yatra is held in North Goa every year, attracting more than 50,000 devotees.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Tragic incident indeed. But politicizing such accidents is in bad taste. Instead of blame games, all parties should work together to improve crowd management at religious events across India. My prayers for the victims 🙏
P
Priya M.
This is heartbreaking! We need better safety protocols for large gatherings. Remember the Sabarimala tragedy? Our temples deserve world-class crowd control systems. Government must act, not just give statements.
A
Amit S.
While the loss of life is unfortunate, Banerjee's statement reeks of hypocrisy. Stampedes happen across India regardless of ruling party - remember Kolkata bridge collapse? Focus should be on solutions, not politics.
N
Neha P.
As a Goan, I'm devastated. Our Lairai Yatra is centuries old tradition. Authorities knew about the crowd size - why no proper arrangements? This was preventable! Need strict action against negligence.
S
Sanjay D.
Why always reaction after tragedy? We need permanent crowd management SOPs for all major religious events. Digital ticketing, barricades, emergency exits - basic things missing in most Indian pilgrimages. Jai Hind!
M
Meena R.
Heartbreaking news 😢 As someone who's attended this yatra before, the devotion is beautiful but crowd control is chaotic. Hope this tragedy leads to better safety measures. My deepest condolences to the families.

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