Goa Cancels All Govt-Supported Functions For 3 Days Over Tragic Temple Stampede

The Goa government has announced to cancel or postpone all government-supported festive programmes and public celebrations in the coastal state in view of the tragic temple stampede that killed at least seven people while more than 70 were injured. 

The stampede broke out at a temple festival at Shirgao village in North Goa in the wee hours of Saturday. At least 30,000 to 40,000 people had gathered at the Sree Lairai Devi temple for the annual festival.

A circular issued by Shreyas D'Silva, Under Secretary of the General Administration Department, the notification read: "In view of the tragic stampede incident that occurred during the Shree Devi Lairai Zatra at Shirgao, and as an expression of condolences to the departed and their families, the Government of Goa directs that all Government- supported festive programmes and public celebrations scheduled over the next three days be cancelled or postponed." 

"All Heads of Departments, Government Corporations and Autonomous Bodies are hereby instructed to ensure strict compliance with this directive," the circular read further. 

ALSO READ | Overcrowding Or Electric Shock? What Led To Stampede At Goa Temple That Killed 7

CM Sawant Orders Probe

As per initial reports, overcrowding and lack of crowd control measures were attributed to have caused the stampede. Meanwhile, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the incident was triggered due to an electric shock, adding that the exact cause is yet to be known. He has also ordered a probe into the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Goa CM and took stock of the situation, Sawant said in a post on X. President Droupadi Murmu and the Prime Minister mourned the deaths of the victims killed in the stampede and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. 

Talking to reporters at the site, CM Sawant said, "I have asked for a detailed inquiry into the incident. We will make the report public." He further stated that precautions would be taken for all temple festivals in the state to prevent such incidents.

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