Authorities have confirmed that the committee managing the Shree Lairai Temple did not implement key safety directives issued by the Goa police ahead of the annual festival, during which six devotees lost their lives in a stampede.
An official, citing the minutes of a pre-event meeting held on April 30, revealed that the temple committee was explicitly instructed to install CCTV cameras at entry and exit points, and to set up proper barricading to manage crowds. Despite these directives, no surveillance system was in place, and crowd control measures remained inadequate during the festival held in the early hours of Saturday in Shirgao village, North Goa.
Over 70 people were injured in the stampede that occurred during the traditional celebrations, which attract thousands of devotees annually.
The meeting, attended by senior police and administrative officials as well as temple representatives, detailed the need for CCTV coverage in crowded zones such as near the temple premises and the Homkhand (sacred fire area), along with a temporary control room for monitoring. The temple committee was also asked to assist police in managing the crowd flow.
Temple committee president Dinanath Gaonkar acknowledged the directives but said the short notice made it difficult to comply. “You require at least 10 to 15 days to install CCTV cameras. The meeting was held only a couple of days before the festival,” he said.
Regarding barricading, Gaonkar stated that it was deliberately avoided due to past incidents where devotees sustained injuries after colliding with barriers during the event.
The committee has submitted its response to the fact-finding team investigating the incident and has shared all relevant documentation, including the meeting minutes.
Authorities continue their probe into the stampede, as questions are raised over accountability and preparedness for large-scale gatherings at religious sites.
