New Delhi [India]: Political leaders across the country expressed deep sorrow following a tragic stampede at the Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao, Goa, which resulted in the death of six devotees and left nearly 30 injured during the Larai Jatra festival.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took to social media platform X to share his condolences. “We are deeply saddened by the stampede in Lairai Devi temple in Goa where 6 people have died and almost 30 injured,” he wrote, adding heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
Kharge’s Post
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also conveyed her grief. “It is extremely sad to hear about the death of several devotees and injuries to many others due to a stampede during the annual pilgrimage to the Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgaon, Goa,” she wrote, offering condolences and prayers.
Priyanka Gandhi’s Post
Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal said he was deeply saddened by the incident. “My thoughts are with the families who lost their loved ones. Praying for the quick recovery of the injured,” he stated.
Kejriwal’s Post
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned the loss of lives. President Murmu expressed condolences and prayed for the injured, while PM Modi, through the Prime Minister’s Office, said, “Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede in Shirgao, Goa. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.”
President Murmu’s Post
PMO’s Post
According to North Goa Superintendent of Police Akshat Kaushal, more than 50,000 people had gathered at the temple for the Larai Zatra festival. Around 400 police personnel were deployed at the site. “This is the first time such an incident has happened at the festival,” he noted, adding that investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the stampede.