Why Hasn't an FIR Been Filed Over the Stampede Near Chinnaswamy Stadium?

Bengaluru, June 5 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has sharply criticized the Congress-led administration for failing to file an FIR following the tragic stampede incident near the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which led to the loss of at least 11 lives. During a joint press conference on Thursday, BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, along with Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka and Chalavadi Narayaswamy, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, called for a judicial investigation into the incident by an active High Court judge.

Vijayendra stated, “An unnatural death case (UDR) has been filed at the Cubbon Park police station, and an investigation is underway concerning the tragedy. The loss of eleven innocent lives is a direct result of the government's negligence, and a thorough investigation is essential. The state cannot evade accountability. Why has an FIR not yet been filed?” he demanded.

He urged the Chief Minister to initiate an inquiry by a sitting High Court judge, insisting that appropriate action is necessary from the state government. Vijayendra also advocated for a minimum compensation of Rs 50 lakh to the victims' families.

Criticizing the decision to conduct a magisterial probe, he claimed that such an inquiry would be inadequate to investigate the Chief Minister and cabinet members, who are potentially culpable. He questioned the rationale behind the Chief Minister's order for a magisterial inquiry, suggesting the government is avoiding responsibility for its shortcomings.

Vijayendra asserted that the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Home Minister should resign, given the circumstances. He also insisted that the owners of RCB should provide compensation, noting that when an elephant from Karnataka caused a fatality in Kerala, the state government had announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh.

He described the state government's actions as “inhumane” and condemned their celebrations, highlighting that even as reports of casualties circulated, the Deputy Chief Minister was seen celebrating at Chinnaswamy Stadium while ruling party members were busy taking selfies at Vidhana Soudha.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka added, “We will not accept an investigation by the District Collector. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) will be filed before the Chief Justice of the High Court. The investigation must be overseen by a High Court judge, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) should be established. Justice must prevail for the victims, and those responsible must face consequences.”

“How can Deputy Commissioners, who are accountable to the CM, conduct a fair investigation? They were responsible for planning the event and ensuring its execution. It's hard to believe that they would impartially investigate the government's failings. Misleading the public and resulting in fatalities is severe; why are they now indulging in self-deception? Only a judicial probe can deliver justice to the innocent and their families. The Congress government should not stoop to pettiness in the face of tragedy,” he added.

Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, questioned, “If the police and government are not accountable, then who is?” He firmly stated that the state government bears direct responsibility for the fatalities, demanding immediate resignations from the Chief and Deputy Chief Ministers.

He also criticized the government's decision to organize the celebration, suggesting it should have been managed by a cricket body instead. He condemned the meager announcement of Rs 10 lakh compensation for those who lost their lives, labeling it as unacceptable.

Meanwhile, social activist Snehamayi Krishna lodged a complaint with the Cubbon Park police on Thursday against CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, and officials of the KSCA, demanding that the police register the case under Section 106 of the BNS Act. A copy of the complaint has also been submitted to the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, urging action against those guilty in this serious matter.