Panaji: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC), in a strongly worded letter, has held Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant responsible for what it calls a “systemic collapse in governance” and a “grave dereliction of duty” in maintaining law and order in the state. GPCC Vice President Sunil Kawthankar has demanded immediate accountability and corrective action following the recent tragic stampede at the Lairai Temple in Shirgao, which claimed multiple lives.
In his letter dated May 14, 2025, Kawthankar criticized the sheer mismanagement of the temple event, citing lack of crowd control, poor security deployment, and absence of preventive planning. He condemned the government’s failure as not just negligent but a “fundamental disregard for human life.”
Adding to the criticism, he pointed out that even while the state was reeling from the Shirgao tragedy, police personnel were reportedly permitted to participate in a cricket tournament in Mapusa, despite a high alert due to rising India-Pakistan tensions. Calling it a “stunning lack of seriousness,” the Congress questioned the priorities of the police leadership.
The letter also raised concerns over a bold theft reported at the BJP’s Sanquelim office—CM Sawant’s own constituency—calling it a reflection of the emboldening of criminal elements in Goa.
The Congress has placed five key demands before the Chief Minister:
1. A public statement acknowledging the failures and outlining corrective steps.
2. A judicial or independent probe into the Shirgao incident with clear accountability.
3. Suspension and investigation of police officers who allowed tournament participation under alert.
4. Enhanced patrolling and intelligence measures to curb thefts and robberies.
5. A comprehensive overhaul of protocols for public and religious gatherings.
Kawthankar emphasized that the demands are not political but reflect the public’s anguish and their desire for justice and safety. He urged the CM to respond with courage and accountability, stating, “The people of Goa await yours.”
