"Trying to determine exact cause of incident": North Goa SP Akshat Kaushal on Shirgao stampede
ANI
03 May 2025, 14:10 GMT+10
Panaji (Goa) [India], May 3 (ANI): Police on Saturday said that they are still trying to determine the exact cause of the stampede incident at the Shirgao during the Larai Jatra festival.
North Goa Superintendent of Police (SP) Akshat Kaushal informed that over 50,000 people were present inside the temple for the (Larai) Zatra, and around 400 police officers were on duty. And, he further added that this is the first time such an incident has happened at the festival.
Speaking to ANI, North Goa SP Akshat Kaushal 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.'
Earlier in the day, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited Shirgao, where the stampede incident occurred. The stampede incident took place on Saturday at around 4-5 AM.
Sawant said that this is the first such incident in Goa, and added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called to enquire about the situation.
Speaking to ANI, Pramod Sawant said, 'The unfortunate stampede incident took place today at around 4-5 AM. This is the first time a stampede incident has taken place in Goa. I have reached the spot right now. I met the injured at different hospitals. Six people died in the incident. I have asked the State administration to conduct an inquiry into the incident... PM Modi called me and enquired about the incident...'
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the tragic incident of the stampede in Shirgao, Goa. (ANI)
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