Did the Government Take the Stampede Incident Seriously While the Opposition Made Politically Motivated Allegations?

Bengaluru, June 8 (NationPress) In response to the tragic stampede that resulted in 11 fatalities on June 4, and the BJP's accusations regarding the police's failure to heed warnings during the RCB's inaugural IPL trophy celebration, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted on Sunday that the BJP and JD-S are making politically motivated accusations.

While addressing the media, Siddaramaiah stated: “The BJP is making these allegations with a political agenda. Based on preliminary information, the government has initiated actions against the involved police officials. As requested by the BJP and JD-S, a judicial inquiry has been mandated.”

“Such tragic occurrences should not happen during any administration. This incident has caused significant distress for both me and the government,” he mentioned when asked about the incident.

“Police officers have also faced repercussions. The government staff and the administrative department had issued conditional approval for the event at the Vidhana Soudha,” Siddaramaiah explained.

Regarding reports that the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) had cautioned against holding the event due to security concerns, Siddaramaiah confirmed that conditional approval was indeed given by the DPAR.

He pointed out that it was the police's responsibility to ensure compliance with conditions and to maintain security. He highlighted that no incidents occurred within the Vidhana Soudha premises, and the stampede took place at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

He added that the police department failed to provide adequate information on security measures at the venue. Since the event at Chinnaswamy Stadium was not a government event and he was not in attendance, the allegations from the BJP and JD-S are politically motivated.

He stated: “Although the injured were taken to the hospital around 3:50 p.m., I was informed around 5:45 p.m. about the stampede near the stadium, which resulted in fatalities. This should not have occurred — it is profoundly distressing.”

When asked if the government would contemplate relocating the 'lower-capacity cricket stadium,' the CM affirmed that the government will investigate this matter. “No such unfortunate incident should occur under any government. This incident personally troubles the government,” he remarked.

Addressing online criticisms of the police as scapegoats, he mentioned that five police officers have been dismissed, and the heads of intelligence and his political secretaries have been reassigned.

“We have taken this case seriously and have acted appropriately. The government has done nothing wrong. However, this incident is indeed painful,” he concluded.