'Trying to determine exact cause of incident': North Goa SP Akshat Kaushal on Shirgao stampede

NEW DELHI: Police on Saturday said they are still trying to determine the exact cause of the stampede at the Shirgao temple during the Larai Jatra festival. North Goa Superintendent of Police (SP) Akshat Kaushal informed that over 50,000 people had gathered inside the temple for the event, with approximately 400 police officers deployed for security.
He added that this was the first time such an incident had occurred during the festival.
"We are still trying to determine the exact cause of the incident. However, we have been told that the stampede might have happened due to some people spreading rumours... The biggest challenge for us was to peacefully vacate more than 50,000 people who were inside the temple for the (Larai) Zatra. Around 400 police personnel were deployed here for the Zatra. This is the first time something like this has happened on this occasion," SP Kaushal told ANI.
Earlier in the day, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited Shirgao, where the stampede occurred. The incident took place around 4-5 AM on Saturday.
“This is the first time a stampede incident has taken place in Goa,” Sawant said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called to enquire about the situation.
"The unfortunate stampede incident took place today at around 4-5 AM. This is the first time a stampede incident has taken place in Goa. I have reached the spot right now. I met the injured at different hospitals. Six people died in the incident. I have asked the State administration to conduct an inquiry into the incident... PM Modi called me and enquired about the incident," Sawant said.
Both President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their grief over the tragic stampede in Shirgao.