Bengaluru, Feb 11 (NationPress) Addressing the potential for hosting international and IPL cricket matches at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Karnataka's Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, stated that matches will only be permitted if the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) satisfactorily complies with safety recommendations; otherwise, no permission will be granted.

In a press interaction in Bengaluru, Parameshwara was questioned about an upcoming meeting on Thursday and whether it would bring positive news. He responded, "There is no concept of good or bad news. We will evaluate their adherence to the Justice Michael D’Cunha Committee's recommendations. A committee comprising members from the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, and others has already been formed."

“Tomorrow's discussions will focus on this matter. The recommendations encompass short, medium, and long-term measures. Immediate compliance with short-term strategies is essential. A report on their adherence will be submitted. The stadium has undergone two inspections already. Should we find the compliance satisfactory, matches will be approved at Chinnaswamy Stadium; otherwise, they will not,” he expressed.

When inquired about potential actions against police officials, including IPS officers, regarding their alleged negligence linked to the stampede incident that resulted in 11 fatalities, Parameshwara stated, "The process is ongoing. Everything has returned to normal. They have been reinstated. Any penalties for those found guilty and the inquiries will be concluded later. However, we cannot indefinitely suspend senior officers. The Chief Minister has ordered their reinstatement, and actions will proceed accordingly."

Noteworthy is the statement from KSCA President and former Indian fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad, who indicated that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans may receive favorable news within the next few days. The Karnataka government will decide on hosting international cricket matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in a crucial meeting set for February 12.

The iconic venue was previously denied approval to host matches by the state government following a stampede during the victory celebrations for RCB's inaugural IPL title on June 4, which tragically claimed 11 lives.

On another note, regarding a theft incident involving 200 grams of gold and cash reported from the Vidhana Soudha building in Bengaluru, Parameshwara remarked, "My primary concern is determining how this bag passed through the Vidhana Soudha entrance gates. I have initiated an investigation. We need to understand how the bag entered Vidhana Soudha, which gate it passed through, and how it managed to reach a Minister's office unnoticed—these are crucial matters I have called for an inquiry into."

"All aspects relating to the ownership of the bag and its intended delivery must be investigated. I have communicated with the Bengaluru Police Commissioner regarding this. The theft case is secondary; the real issue is how the bag entered Vidhana Soudha unnoticed, despite the presence of CCTV cameras," he reiterated.

It was through CCTV footage that the suspect, identified as Naveen, was apprehended. "However, our focus remains on how the bag gained access to Vidhana Soudha," Parameshwara emphasized.

Concerning an incident in Kalaburagi where Mateen Patel, a supporter of Congress leader and Minister Priyank Kharge, was filmed dancing with a firearm, Parameshwara stated, "No matter who it is, we will take action. Anyone engaging in unlawful activities will face legal consequences. Affiliation to any party is secondary; we will certainly initiate legal action. Even if they are close to someone, no one is exempt from the law. The police will enforce strict measures according to the law."