PANAJI
The government-constituted fact-finding committee, investigating the stampede during Devi Lairai zatra at Shirgao, was informed about a similar incident during the festivities last year, but on a minor scale with no injuries.
The committee, led by Commissioner-cum-Revenue Secretary IAS Sandeep Jacques, is unlikely to submit its report to the government on Monday, though it was asked to submit it within 48 hours. Based on the findings, necessary action will be initiated.
“The committee will need some time to investigate and submit the report. They are working on it. It will take little time as they have to probe all angles,” Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Sunday.
The committee members had on Saturday evening visited the temple site and convened a special meeting with various representatives, as part of a probe into the tragedy which claimed six lives even as 80 others were injured.
Sources informed that during the committee discussion, it was revealed that a similar incident on a minor scale was reported even last year; however, no injuries were reported. Sources said that the incident, infact, took place at the same site, where it happened in the wee hours of Saturday.
The committee has recorded the statements of Collector Sneha Gitte, Superintendent of Police Akshat Kaushal, Deputy Superintendent of Police Jivba Dalvi, Deputy Collector Bhimnath Khorjuvekar -- who all are transferred from the jurisdiction following the incident.
The committee also met members of the temple committee, some Dhonds and villagers.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Varsha Sharma, Transport Director Pravimal Abhishek (IAS) and Tikam Singh Verma are the other members of the committee.
The committee is also looking into several possible reports with regards to the fight between two groups of devotees, rumours with regards to electric shock, etc.
