What Led to the Chinnaswamy Stampede? Siddaramaiah Suspends B'luru Police Chief
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, Karnataka's CM Siddaramaiah has taken drastic measures following a deadly stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium. Five senior police officers, including the Bengaluru Police Commissioner, have been suspended as investigations unfold. What does this mean for public safety and accountability in large events?
Key Takeaways
- Five police officers suspended due to negligence in crowd management.
- A new Police Commissioner has been appointed for Bengaluru.
- A Magisterial enquiry will investigate the incident.
- The case is handed to the CID, ensuring accountability.
- Public safety protocols need urgent attention.
Bengaluru, June 5 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Thursday the suspension of five high-ranking police officials, notably the Bengaluru Police Commissioner and the DCP (Central Division), following a tragic stampede that occurred near Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, claiming the lives of at least 11 individuals.
The state has also appointed a new Police Commissioner for the city.
An official statement revealed: “On June 4, a stampede erupted during the victory celebrations of RCB at Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulting in 11 fatalities and injuring over 50 others. A Magisterial enquiry has been initiated under the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Bengaluru Urban District, who is expected to submit a report within 15 days.”
Upon reviewing the circumstances leading to this unfortunate event, it was found that there was a significant lapse in duty by the following officers - B. Dayananda, IPS, Additional Director General and Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City; Vikash Kumar Vikash, IPS, Inspector General and Additional Commissioner of Police, West, Bengaluru City; Shekar H Tekkannavar, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Division, and others.
These officers have been placed under immediate suspension.
The order further emphasized that the RCB CEO had informed the Commissioner of Police about the victory parade on June 3, yet there was no written response denying permission due to time constraints.
Despite this information, the RCB and the Cricket Association promoted the celebrations on social media and invited fans to the stadium without following the standard ticketing procedures.
Even with the police aware of the anticipated large turnout, no measures were taken to manage the event safely or to inform the public adequately. The situation escalated uncontrollably, leading to significant loss of life and embarrassment for the government.
The conduct of these officers has been deemed a serious violation of the AIS (Conduct) Rules, and the conduct of the ACP and PI is in violation of the Karnataka State Police (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules, 1965.
The suspension order specifies that the officers are not permitted to leave their headquarters without the state government's written consent.
Additionally, Seemanth Kumar Singh, an officer from the 1996 Karnataka batch, has been transferred and appointed as the new Commissioner of Police for Bengaluru City.
During an emergency press briefing at the Vidhana Soudha, CM Siddaramaiah announced the suspension of the police officials and stated that the case will be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Moreover, a one-man commission led by Justice John Michael D’Cunha, a retired High Court judge, has been established to investigate the incident.
Point of View
We recognize the critical need for accountability in tragic incidents like the Chinnaswamy stampede. With lives lost and families affected, it’s essential that thorough investigations are conducted, ensuring that such oversights in public safety are addressed and prevented in the future.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Chinnaswamy stampede?
The stampede was triggered during RCB's victory celebrations, resulting in a lack of crowd management by the police despite prior knowledge of the expected turnout.
How many officials were suspended?
Five senior police officers, including the Bengaluru Police Commissioner and DCP (Central Division), have been suspended.
What actions are being taken following the incident?
A Magisterial enquiry has been ordered, and the case has been handed to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.
Who is leading the investigation into the stampede?
A one-man commission headed by Justice John Michael D’Cunha, a retired High Court judge, has been formed to investigate the incident.
What measures are being taken to ensure public safety in future events?
The government aims to improve crowd management protocols and ensure better communication between event organizers and law enforcement.
