What Did the Inquiry Panel Led by Justice D'Cunha Discover About the B'luru Stampede?
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Synopsis
On July 11, retired Justice Michael D'Cunha submitted his inquiry report on the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede to Karnataka's Chief Minister. This report comes after a tragic incident that claimed 11 lives during a celebratory event. What critical insights does the report hold? Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the findings and the implications for the parties involved.
Key Takeaways
- One-man inquiry Commission led by retired Justice D'Cunha was established to probe the stampede incident.
- Report submitted to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on July 11.
- Multiple investigations, including magisterial and CID probes, are underway.
- Accused parties have challenged the state's allegations in court.
- Commission also investigating COVID-19 scam and related fatalities.
Bengaluru, July 11 (NationPress) The one-man inquiry Commission led by retired Justice Michael D'Cunha, appointed by the Congress-led administration to investigate the tragic stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, which resulted in the loss of 11 lives, has delivered its findings to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday.
Justice D'Cunha presented the report to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the company of the Chief Minister's Legal Advisor and MLA A.S. Ponnanna, Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajaneesh, and other officials at the Vidhana Soudha.
The specifics of the report remain undisclosed at this time.
The state government had issued a notification on June 5, 2025, establishing a one-man Commission led by retired Justice Michael D'Cunha to investigate the fatalities and injuries resulting from the stampede during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebration.
On June 7, the Karnataka government extended the Commission's term to facilitate a thorough investigation into the Chinnaswamy stampede tragedy.
The Congress-led administration has ordered a comprehensive three-pronged investigation into the incident.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a magisterial inquiry by the Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru City and District Magistrate, a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) investigation, alongside the judicial probe led by the John Michael D'Cunha Commission.
Union Minister for Large and Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy, has raised concerns regarding the state government's multiple investigations.
"The government seems eager to demonstrate its proactive stance on the incident before the High Court addresses the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) suo motu. Initially, a magisterial probe was ordered, followed by the appointment of a Commission headed by a retired High Court Judge, and the case was subsequently assigned to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Which report will you trust?" Kumaraswamy questioned.
In response to the state government's directives, the Karnataka Police, in the FIR lodged regarding the stampede, stated that the implicated parties—the RCB franchise, event management firm DNA, and the KSCA Administrative Committee—organized the victory celebration without the requisite permissions.
The RCB, DNA, and KSCA have disputed the state's allegations in court, asserting that these claims are an attempt to deflect responsibility for the stampede tragedy.
The Justice D'Cunha commission is also tasked with investigating the COVID-19 scam and the fatalities of patients due to oxygen shortages at the Chamarajanagar district hospital, with a mandate to submit its findings within a specified timeframe.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appointed the D'Cunha Commission to investigate the stampede case on June 5.
Given the critical nature of the situation, the Commission has been instructed to conclude its investigation and present its report to the state government within a month, as stated in the notification.
Furthermore, it clarifies, "As the Commission must prioritize the stampede incident and submit its report within a month after completing the investigation, the Commission's term has been extended from August 1 to 31, 2025."
Point of View
I align with the principle of thorough investigation and accountability. The tragic loss of lives during the celebration highlights the need for stringent safety regulations and responsible event management. The multiple probes initiated by the Karnataka government reflect a commitment to uncovering the truth, ensuring that such a tragedy does not recur in the future.
NationPress
25/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the inquiry commission?
The commission was established to investigate the June 4 stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium which resulted in 11 fatalities.
Who leads the inquiry commission?
The commission is led by retired Justice Michael D'Cunha.
What findings were reported to the Chief Minister?
The specifics of the findings remain confidential for now.
What additional investigations are being conducted?
Alongside the commission's inquiry, a magisterial probe and a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) investigation have also been initiated.
What has been the response from the accused parties?
The RCB, event management firm DNA, and KSCA have challenged the allegations in court, claiming the accusations are an attempt to deflect blame.
