Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, May 8: The fact-finding committee probing the tragic stampede during the Shree Devi Lairai Zatra at Shirgao, which resulted in the loss of six lives and left over 80 injured, is set to submit its report to the Goa government today, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced.

Speaking at a press conference following a cabinet meeting, CM Sawant said the cabinet paid tribute to the victims by observing a minute of silence and held detailed discussions on the incident. “The committee will submit its report tomorrow (Thursday). Once received, we will brief the public on its findings,” he said.

The fact-finding panel, formed immediately after the incident, is headed by IAS officer Sandeep Jacques, who serves as Commissioner-cum-Revenue Secretary. The other members include Deputy Inspector General of Police Varsha Sharma, Transport Director Pravimal Abhishek (IAS), and Tikam Singh Verma.

The committee has been investigating the circumstances surrounding the stampede, including whether prior warnings and crowd control recommendations were ignored. It has already recorded statements from several key officials, including:

• Collector Sneha Gitte
• Superintendent of Police Akshat Kaushal
• DySP Jivba Dalvi
• Deputy Collector Bhimnath Khorjuvekar

All of them have been transferred from the region in the wake of the tragedy.

In its preliminary findings, the committee has highlighted that a similar but smaller-scale incident occurred at the same location last year, though no injuries were reported then. Importantly, the road where the stampede took place was narrow, and the temple committees permitted stalls on both sides, further constraining movement. Some police-recommended precautions were reportedly overlooked.

The committee has also met with temple committee members, local villagers, and Dhond (traditional volunteers), as part of its broader inquiry.

The final report, expected today, will provide clarity on the failures in crowd management and administrative lapses, and will likely influence future safety measures for religious gatherings in Goa.