Over a month after the tragic stampede during the Shirgao Zatra festival, which claimed six lives and injured nearly 100 people, the investigation has entered a crucial phase. The government is now examining responses from key officials who were on duty during the incident.
All eight government officials served with show-cause notices in connection with the Shirgao Zatra stampede have submitted their written replies, confirmed Chief Secretary V Candavelou.
The fatal incident occurred in early May at the Lairai Devi temple during the fire-walking ritual, which draws tens of thousands of devotees annually. The resulting crowd surge led to chaos on a narrow slope near the temple, sparking a stampede.
Following a preliminary inquiry, the government issued notices to senior officials, including the then North Goa District Magistrate, North Goa Superintendent of Police, Deputy Collector of Bicholim, DySP of Bicholim, Police Inspectors of Bicholim and Mopa police stations, and the Shirgao Panchayat Secretary. All eight have since been transferred from their original postings.
According to reports, Chief Secretary Candavelou confirmed that the replies have been received. “The course of action will be followed,” he said, noting that he would review the responses before forwarding them to the Disciplinary Committee.