Tue May 13 18:01:38 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Goa Temple Stampede: Inquiry Blames Management, Calls for Dissolution**
**Mumbai, May 13, 2025** – A fact-finding committee has issued a scathing report on the May 3rd stampede at the Lairai Jatra festival in Shirgao, Goa, recommending the dissolution of the Shree Lairai temple management committee. The incident, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, was deemed “entirely preventable” due to a combination of negligence and systemic failures.
The committee’s investigation, which included site visits and interviews with eyewitnesses, found that severe overcrowding on the pathway leading to the Homkhand ritual, coupled with unruly behavior and inadequate crowd control, triggered the tragedy. A lack of proper planning, ignored safety directives, and insufficient infrastructure were also cited as contributing factors.
The report highlights a failure to learn from past incidents and a disregard for administrative instructions regarding crowd management. Organizers reportedly failed to provide critical information about the expected number of visitors and potential risks to authorities, focusing solely on religious activities.
The committee also criticized the lack of surveillance in high-risk areas and the failure to utilize available resources, such as the police drone.
The State government has issued show cause notices to eight former officials from North Goa District administration, the local police department, and Shirgao panchayat.
First Piper 