Team Herald
PANJIM: In the wake of the fatal stampede during the Shree Lairai Zatra in Shirgao early Saturday morning, the Goa government has initiated a series of administrative and police transfers to ensure a fair and independent inquiry into the incident.
IAS officer Yashaswini B, who previously served as Director of Fisheries, has been appointed the new North Goa District Collector. She replaces Sneha Gitte, IAS, who has now been posted as the Director of Science and Technology and Managing Director of the Goa Waste Management Corporation.
The reshuffle extends to the police force as well. Superintendent of Police (SP) Akshat Kaushal has been posted to head the State Police Control Room. SP Rahul Gupta, who currently oversees the Crime Branch, has been given additional charge as SP North Goa. The move is aimed at strengthening coordination during the ongoing investigations and maintaining law and order in the district.
Meanwhile, Mapusa DySP Wilson D’Souza has been assigned the additional responsibility of Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) for Bicholim. PI Vijay Rane of the Crime Branch will now also serve as Police Inspector for Bicholim.
These changes have been effected amid public outcry and demands for accountability following the stampede, which left six people dead and several others injured.