Goa stampede: Code red in hospitals, probe panel formed amid govt shake-up

In the wake of the tragic stampede at the annual Shree Devi Lairai Zatra in Shirgao village that claimed six lives and left over 70 injured, the Goa government has swung into action with a series of administrative changes, the registration of an FIR, and the announcement of a fact-finding inquiry committee.

Simultaneously, the state health department has initiated the implementation of an internationally-recognised "Code Red" emergency protocol across its hospitals to ensure swift medical response during such crises.

Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, who visited the injured at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), said the Code Red system will be introduced in phases—starting with GMCH, followed by district hospitals and the Super Specialty Hospital. He confirmed that two to three patients remain critical, though some have shown positive response to treatment.

"Code Red protocol activates automatically during medical emergencies in hospitals. Multi-disciplinary doctors are instantly mobilised to take quick and decisive action without waiting for formal instructions," Rane said. He assured that specialists from across the country will be roped in, if needed, to ensure the best possible care for the injured.

The stampede occurred in the early hours of Saturday during the Shree Devi Lairai Zatra at Sanquelim’s Shirgao village, a highly revered religious event attended by thousands annually. Panic triggered by an unidentified individual's gross negligence led to a stampede-like situation, with people falling over one another in the dark, resulting in the fatalities and multiple injuries.

Following mounting public outrage over the lack of preparedness, the Goa government has undertaken a major administrative reshuffle. North Goa Superintendent of Police Akshat Kaushal has been transferred with immediate effect to the State Police Control Room in Panaji. SP Rahul Gupta of the Goa Crime Branch has been given additional charge of North Goa.

Among other officers shifted are North Goa Collector Sneha Gitte, DySP Jivba Dalvi—popularly known as Goa’s "Singham"—Deputy Collector Bhimnath Khorjuvekar, and Bicholim Police Inspector Dinesh D. Gadekar. IAS officer Yashaswini B. has been appointed as the new North Goa Collector.

A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered by Inspector Vikesh Venkatesh Hadfadkar at Bicholim Police Station under Sections 106(1), 125(a), and 125(b), citing gross negligence by an unidentified person that led to the chaos.

To determine accountability, the state has constituted a four-member Fact-Finding Inquiry Committee, chaired by Sandip Jacques, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Revenue).

The panel includes Varsha Sharma, DIG (Range); Pravimal Abhishek, Director (Transport); and Tikam Singh Verma, SP of South Goa. The committee has been directed to inspect the site, conduct a detailed investigation, and submit its report within 48 hours.

As calls grow for tighter crowd control measures and better planning during large public gatherings, the Goa government has assured that strong action will follow the findings of the inquiry committee. The tragedy has exposed glaring gaps in logistical and emergency preparedness that authorities say they are now determined to address.

With agency inputs