Staff Reporter
Panaji
The submission of the report by the fact-finding committee investigating the tragic stampede during the Shree Devi Lairai jatra at Shirgao is expected to be delayed, as the panel has requested additional time to complete its probe.
The stampede, which occurred in the early hours of May 3 during the annual festival, claimed six lives and left over 70 people injured.
In response, the state government swiftly constituted a fact-finding committee led by revenue secretary Sandip Jacques.
The committee commenced its investigation on the day of the incident itself, visiting the site, speaking with on-duty officials, temple committee members, and eyewitnesses.
Given the complexity of the incident and the multiple aspects involved, the panel has sought additional time to complete its report.
Although the government had initially directed the committee to submit its findings within 48 hours, ongoing efforts to record statements from injured victims and examine all relevant details are expected to extend the process by another three to four days.
Other members of the fact-finding panel include deputy inspector-general of police Varsha Sharma, transport director Pravimal Abhishek, and superintendent of police Tikam Singh Verma.
