Sankhali/Pernem: Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai, accompanied by Thivim MLA and Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar, visited the families of Aditya and Tanuja Kauthankar and Yashwant Kerkar from Thivim on Sunday. The three were among the victims who lost their lives in the tragic Shirgao stampede.
Pillai conveyed the condolences of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of India to the bereaved families.
“This is a sad incident. Everybody is mourning. Six people have lost their lives and around 80 people were injured. For the first time in the history of Goa, such a stampede has occurred. The Prime Minister and President are shocked, and they have conveyed their condolences to the families. The state government is taking all steps to provide medical, financial, and other assistance for the families of the departed souls and the injured patients,” Pillai said.
He said that four patients had been seriously injured, but one has been taken home, while the other three are now out of danger according to available sources.
“The state government has already declared financial assistance. People have their versions of the incident, and the investigation is ongoing,” the Governor said.
Thivim MLA Nilkanth Halarnkar said, “This should not have happened. We are working to provide all necessary help and assistance to the victims’ families and the injured. We will work to prevent such incidents in the future. This tragedy occurred during peak time, and a thorough enquiry will be conducted to ascertain the exact cause of the incident.”
Pillai also paid his tributes to the families from Pilgao who lost their lives. He visited the family of Sagar Nandargi at Math Wada. The Governor assured that the state government would provide full support and cooperation to the affected families.
Meanwhile, Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar also visited Pilgao to offer his condolences. He expressed his commitment to providing all possible assistance through his trust.
Tawadkar described the incident as deeply painful and unfortunate, and assured that the government would take all necessary measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Sawant assures support to kin of stampede victim
Sankhali: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant met the family of Surya Nayekar, who died in Saturday’s Shirgao stampede, and assured them of all possible cooperation and assistance.
Sawant confirmed that the ex gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh announced by the state government will be released after 12 days.
The Chief Minister emphasised the need for devotees and dhonds to observe proper precautions during jatras and assured that the administration will focus on preventive measures and key decisions to avoid such tragedies in the future.
