In a shocking revelation following the tragic stampede at Shree Lairai Temple in Goa that left six people dead and over 70 injured, officials confirmed that the temple committee failed to act on police directives issued ahead of the annual festival. Despite being clearly instructed to install CCTV cameras at all major points and arrange for crowd control barricades, the committee did not implement the safety measures.
According to the minutes of a pre-event meeting held on April 30, the Goa Police, district authorities, and temple committee members, including its president Dinanath Gaonkar, discussed security protocols. The police explicitly advised the installation of CCTV systems at entry and exit points, crowded areas, and near the temple’s core premises, as well as setting up a control room with police assistance. The committee was also urged to erect barricades for regulated queues and assist in crowd management.
However, in the wake of the tragedy, the temple committee claimed they were unable to act on the recommendations due to insufficient time, stating that installing cameras would have taken at least 10–15 days. Gaonkar further added that they avoided using barricades because of past incidents where devotees were injured.
The stampede, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday during the popular annual festival in Shirgao village, has sparked public outrage and demands for accountability. The temple authorities have now deposed before the fact-finding committee investigating the incident, submitting all relevant details—yet questions remain on why basic safety protocols were not enforced despite explicit warnings.
