The fact-finding committee investigating the deadly stampede during the Shree Devi Lairai Zatra in Shirgao has submitted its report to the Goa government. The report, handed over to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Chief Secretary V. Candavelou, is currently under review. The committee, chaired by Revenue Secretary Sandeep Jacques and comprising senior police and administrative officials, conducted multiple site visits, recorded statements from affected families, temple authorities, and eyewitnesses, and examined the roles of the local administration and police.
The Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that it has received the report from the fact-finding committee investigating the tragic stampede at the Shirgao Zatra. “The report has been submitted and is currently under review. The government is thoroughly examining its findings, and the Chief Minister will issue an official statement once the review process is complete,” the statement said.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also stated that a conclusion will be reached very soon and urged the media not to speculate.
The stampede, which occurred in the early hours of May 3, claimed six lives and injured over 80 people during one of Goa’s largest religious festivals. The tragedy has raised serious concerns about crowd control and safety measures at major events. Chief Minister Sawant has assured that the government will make the report’s conclusions public and take necessary action based on the findings. The incident also highlighted recurring safety issues, as a similar non-fatal crowd incident occurred during last year’s Zatra, underscoring the urgent need for improved coordination between temple authorities and the local administration to prevent such disasters in the future.