Goa Sree Lairai Devi Temple Tragedy: 6 Dead, Over 70 Injured; CM Orders Probe, PM Modi Expresses Grief

Shirgao, Goa (May 3, 2025): In a heart-wrenching tragedy, at least six people, including two women, lost their lives and over 70 others were injured in a stampede during the annual Lairai Zatra festival at the Sree Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao village, North Goa. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, around 3:00 AM, sending shockwaves across the state and the nation.

Thousands of devotees had gathered from across Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka to participate in the festival, which is one of the most revered religious events in the region. According to police reports, the stampede was triggered when a few devotees slipped on a slope, causing a domino effect as others fell on top of each other in the narrow lanes leading to the temple.

What Caused the Shirgao Temple Stampede?

Director General of Police Alok Kumar confirmed that approximately 30,000 to 40,000 people were present when the incident occurred. “The slope became a danger zone. About 40 to 50 people fell, and the stampede was confined to that spot,” he said.

Despite prior preparations, including deployment of over 1,000 police personnel and drone surveillance, crowd control efforts fell short of managing the massive turnout.

CM Pramod Sawant Orders Inquiry, Visits Injured

Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant rushed to the site and the North Goa District Hospital to meet the injured. He announced a detailed inquiry into the stampede and assured that the report will be made public.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic incident at the Lairai Zatra. I have directed authorities to ensure strict crowd control at all upcoming temple festivals across Goa,” said Sawant.

PM Modi Reacts: Offers Full Support

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish and solidarity with the victims and their families. In a heartfelt post on X, he wrote,
“May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.”
He also personally called CM Sawant to offer the Centre’s full support in managing the aftermath.

Medical Emergency and Relief Efforts

State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane stated that around 80 people sustained injuries, with 13 admitted to Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC). Of these, five remain critical and on ventilator support, while others are being treated in an emergency ward set up specifically for this incident.

Quick response teams, including 108 ambulance services, swung into action. Five ambulances reached the site immediately, while emergency helpline 104 was activated to assist distressed families.

Opposition Slams Govt; Demands Accountability

The incident has sparked political outrage. The Goa Forward Party (GFP) demanded an ex-gratia of ₹1 crore to each deceased victim’s family and criticized the government’s failure in handling the crowd.

GFP President Vijai Sardesai said, “The administration claimed to have deployed drones and 1,000 police officers, yet lives were lost. This is a colossal failure of governance.”

The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) echoed similar concerns and called for a judicial commission to fix accountability. AITC national spokesperson Trajano D’Mello blamed the “negligence of law and order machinery” for the tragedy.

The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee also extended condolences and urged the government to assist the Devasthan Committee in managing the remaining four days of the Lairai Zatra safely.

The Way Forward: Crowd Safety Under Scrutiny

This tragic incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for robust crowd management, especially during high-attendance religious gatherings in India. CM Sawant has pledged to implement stronger safety measures and emergency protocols for all future festivals.

As families mourn their loved ones and many continue to fight for their lives in hospitals, the state of Goa stands united in grief — hoping that lessons will be learned, and such a disaster will never be repeated.