AAP seeks compensation, accountability over Shirgao stampede

Panaji :
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday expressed grief over the deaths caused by the stampede at the Lairai Jatra in Shirgao and extended condolences to the bereaved families.

State unit president, Adv. Amit Palekar, along with other senior leaders, visited some of the affected families and injured persons at the Goa Medical College (GMC). The party has urged the State government to provide interim compensation of at least ₹1 crore to the families of the deceased and ₹10 lakh to those who have been hospitalised with injuries.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Palekar alleged a complete lapse in crowd management, despite prior assurances by the government of deploying over 1,000 personnel and using drone technology for surveillance. “It appears no concrete plan was in place for crowd control or emergency response,” he said.

AAP leader from Mayem, Mr. Rajesh Kalangutkar, who lost two relatives in the incident, said many injured devotees suffered fractures and were shifted to hospitals in private vehicles due to the absence of first responders. He drew parallels with the recent Maha Kumbh incident in Prayagraj, and criticised the BJP-led government in Goa for failing to implement adequate safety measures.

The party has demanded a high-level inquiry into the incident and called for accountability to be fixed, including at the level of the district administration and Home Department.