A magisterial inquiry has been ordered by the Goa government following a deadly stampede during the annual Lairai Devi festival at the Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village, North Goa, which resulted in six deaths and left more than 70 people injured.&nbsp;
The incident occurred around 3 am on Saturday as thousands of devotees gathered in the narrow lanes leading to the temple, located approximately 40 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the inquiry via a statement on social media platform X, saying, &ldquo;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.&rdquo;&nbsp;
He visited both the site of the stampede and the state-run North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa, where some of the injured were receiving treatment.
Speaking to the media at the scene, Sawant said he had called for a comprehensive probe and added, &ldquo;We will make the report public.&rdquo; He also emphasised that preventive measures would be implemented at all temple festivals across Goa to avoid future incidents.
Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar reported that the stampede began shortly before 4 am, possibly triggered by a rumour. &ldquo;The cause is being investigated&hellip; Around 150 people fell down during the stampede. Immediately, the Police and volunteers conducted a rescue operation and shifted the injured to the hospital. We contained the incident to a small area, otherwise it could have led to more casualties&hellip; Around 1000 police personnel were deployed here yesterday,&rdquo; he said.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane provided an update on the medical response, stating that a total of 74 individuals had received treatment at various government hospitals, including Asilo Hospital in Mapusa, CHC Bicholim, CHC Sankhali, and Goa Medical College (GMC).&nbsp;
Of those injured, 22 remain hospitalised &mdash; with 18 being treated at Asilo Hospital, three under observation at CHC Bicholim, and one patient at CHC Sankhali.
Rane also confirmed that six individuals were declared dead upon arrival at medical facilities. &ldquo;Sadly, six individuals were brought in dead &mdash; 4 at Asilo Hospital (2 males and two females), and two at CHC Bicholim,&rdquo; he posted on X.
He further stated that a meeting with the heads of the Directorate of Health Services and Goa Medical College, along with the Secretary (Health), would be convened to ensure the highest standard of care for all patients.&nbsp;
&ldquo;A meeting with the heads of DHS and GMC, along with the Secretary (Health), will be held shortly to ensure that no stone is left unturned in providing timely and effective treatment. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to public health and to supporting every healthcare worker tirelessly serving on the frontlines,&rdquo; Rane&rsquo;s statement read.
(With inputs from agencies)
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(Left) Goa CM Pramod Sawant and Stampede Photo (Right)

Six dead and 70 injured in a stampede at Goa's temple festival, with a magisterial inquiry underway

Magisterial Inquiry Ordered After Fatal Goa Stampede

Six dead and 70 injured in a stampede at Goa's temple festival, with a magisterial inquiry underway

May 3, 2025 | 17:06 IST