After Goa temple stampede kills 6 and injures 80, officers transferred, CM seeks report in 48 hours

Goan people as a whole should unite and help these families. This is the time for us to rise to the occasion and give relief.”

After meeting the families of the deceased in Bicholim and Sattari tehsils, he told PTI

I will not submit any specific report about this incident, but I am thankful to the President of India and the Prime Minister who had immediately intervened and condoled the deaths and given directions to the state government,

Pillai said

They are trying hard to save the injured patients,

he said

The state government is inquiring into what exactly happened. Different versions are there about the incident,

he said

Today I conveyed the condolences of the PM and the President of India to the deceased persons’ families,

he said

Before me, concerned ministers and even the chief minister and other officials had visited the patients, assuring them all the support,

he said

The police have also placed barricades in Assanora to stop vehicles from entering the area,

he said

The incident on Saturday was unfortunate. Lives were lost. But we can not stop the rituals,

he said

We have learnt that a similar incident, on a minor scale, had happened at the same spot during last year's festival,

he said

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, members of the temple committee and others,

he said

You cannot stop people from attending the festival, as Devi Lairai is a revered deity with devotees across Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka."

A local resident said

We are still trying to determine the exact cause of the incident. However, we have been told that the stampede might have happened due to some people spreading rumours... The biggest challenge for us was to peacefully vacate more than 50,000 people who were inside the temple for the (Larai) Zatra. Around 400 police personnel were deployed here for the Zatra. This is the first time something like this has happened on this occasion,

SP Kaushal said

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."

In a message posted on X in the afternoon, the CM said

It is the responsibility of the dhonds and of the public to maintain a sense of duty. It is not right to criticize the government. The government has given us full support. This happened among the dhonds and on account of their fault,

Gaonkar added

Pramod Sawantgoa Chief Minister

I have ordered an inquiry into the entire incident. We will publish the inquiry report once it is out. The state government will offer financial assistance to the families of those dead and injured. The local MLAs will personally visit the families of those who have died in this tragedy.”

Cancelling all state functions as a mark of respect to the killed, Sawant said

We will be taking precautions to ensure that such an incident does not happen again. This is the first such instance in Goa in recent memory and should not repeat again. Once the report is out and its recommendations will be pursued in all seriousness. What shouldn’t have happened, has happened,

Sawant said

Whatever precautions need to be taken in consultation with the PWD, the local panchayat and the temple committee will be taken before the next Jatra. I request people to cooperate and assist the government.”

CM Sawant said

There was pushing and shoving among the Dhonds. One of the Dhond’s staff touched a loose electric cable, causing a bulb to break. There were sparks, and in the melee, innocent people lost their lives.”

President of the temple committee Dinanath Gaonkar said

Additional doctors have been deployed, and a dedicated intensive care unit has been set up to provide focused care. All necessary arrangements have been made, and we are closely monitoring the condition of each patient,

Rane added

At least 30,000 to 40,000 people had gathered for the festival, and some were standing on a slope. A few persons fell on the slope, causing others to tumble on each other,

said Director General of Police Alok Kumar