Panaji, May 3 -- Police on Saturday said that they are still trying to determine the exact cause of the stampede incident at the Shirgao during the Larai Jatra festival.

North Goa Superintendent of Police (SP) Akshat Kaushal informed that over 50,000 people were present inside the temple for the (Larai) Zatra, and around 400 police officers were on duty. And, he further added that this is the first time such an incident has happened at the festival.

Speaking to ANI, North Goa SP Akshat Kaushal said, "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 50,00...