Why Did the High Court Intervene in the Stampede Case?

Bengaluru, June 17 (NationPress) The High Court's decision to initiate a suo motu case regarding the tragic stampede on June 4, which resulted in the loss of 11 lives, highlights the diminishing faith in the state government, according to R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka.

During a press conference following a protest held to condemn the stampede incident in Bengaluru on Tuesday, Ashoka criticized the government's failure to conduct a thorough investigation if it believed it had acted correctly. The establishment of a suo motu case by the High Court suggests a lack of confidence in the government’s handling of the situation.

He pointed out that the families of the deceased should have been consulted during the investigation. Although initial claims included inquiries led by the deputy commissioner and a retired judge, as well as an SIT investigation, there remains a lack of clarity on these matters.

Ashoka accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his family of being more focused on photo opportunities with cricketers than on the tragic loss of life, stating, “The BJP will persist with protests. The government itself invited attendees to the Vidhana Soudha; had they not done so, this tragedy might have been avoided.”

He remarked, “When we protested, numerous police were deployed. Similarly, more law enforcement should have been present to manage the crowd of two hundred thousand.”

“I have called for a three-day assembly session. If the government asserts it bears no responsibility, it must clearly identify who is at fault. This government’s narrative will collapse by October. All MLAs are vying for the Chief Minister position. How can they expect to regain power in 2028? D.K. Shivakumar is undoubtedly anxious,” Ashoka elaborated.

He further stated, “Since CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar returned from their Delhi trip, numerous attempts are being made to obscure the truth of the stampede and divert public focus.”

“Mr. CM Siddaramaiah, you are an experienced lawyer and politician with significant administrative experience, serving as Chief Minister for a second term. There is a stark contrast between the Bengaluru stampede tragedy and terrorist attacks in Pahalgam or incidents at Kumbh Mela. You understand that such comparisons are nonsensical,” Ashoka emphasized.

“To illustrate, if a patient requires surgery and undergoes all necessary pre-operative evaluations, yet the procedure fails due to unforeseen circumstances, it is an accident. However, if doctors advise against immediate surgery but it is performed recklessly, leading to the patient's demise, who is accountable?” Ashoka questioned.

“That scenario mirrors what has transpired here. Despite police issuing written warnings against hurried celebrations, whose decision led to the premature event?” he challenged.

He claimed that this stampede represents a government-sponsored tragedy that could have been avoided, driven by the government’s eagerness to capitalize on another’s success.

“What was the urgency in organizing an event in front of Vidhana Soudha a mere 12 hours after RCB won the trophy? Did the police confirm that both events could proceed safely? Were discussions held with the stadium organizers to ensure the safety of attendees? If permission was granted, under what conditions was it authorized?” Ashoka demanded.

Ashoka further criticized, “Is it not disgraceful to assert that nothing went amiss at the Vidhana Soudha event, claiming that the Chinnaswamy Stadium event was not our responsibility? It is appalling that even after the tragedy, they defended the continuation of the event by stating, 'We didn’t give speeches; we concluded quickly.'”

He asserted that by hastily organizing the event without adequate planning, solely for publicity, the Congress government is directly accountable for the tragic deaths of 11 individuals.

He expressed skepticism about the efficacy of any SIT investigation or magisterial inquiry, viewing them as potential schemes to exonerate the government.

As the opposition, it is our responsibility to protest against this negligent government evading accountability for the deaths of these 11 innocent young people and to demand justice. We have no intention of politicizing this matter, Ashoka concluded.

He insisted that Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar and Home Minister G. Parameshwara must take moral responsibility for the tragedy and resign immediately, as it would be the first step toward justice for the lost lives and their grieving families.