PANAJI: The Goa government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the tragic stampede at the Shree Devi Lairai Zatra in Shirgao that killed six and injured dozens. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is set to chair a high-level meeting to review the incident and discuss preventive steps.
“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,” Sawant said on X.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said a dedicated committee of senior expert doctors from various departments will be stationed round-the-clock to manage the five critical patients currently admitted at GMC. “Point-of-care management will ensure their comfort and well-being,” he stated.
The stampede occurred early today morning between 4:00 and 5:00 am, during peak ritual activity. An estimated 50,000–70,000 devotees were present at the time.
Temple committee president Dinanath Gaonkar said the chaos began when a devotee accidentally touched an electric bulb with his cane, received a shock, and collapsed onto others in the densely packed crowd. “People were pushing to get ahead… One person’s cane touched a bulb, and he fell on others after receiving a shock,” Gaonkar said.
