What Actions Did Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Take After Chinnaswamy Stampede?

Synopsis
In the wake of the tragic stampede incident at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed 11 lives, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has taken decisive actions, including suspending key police officials and initiating a CID investigation. The repercussions of this tragedy are far-reaching, affecting families and the broader community.
Key Takeaways
- Five police officials suspended for negligence during the stampede.
- CID investigation initiated to uncover the truth.
- Commission formed to review safety protocols.
- Legal action taken against event organizers.
- Concern from the High Court regarding standard procedures.
Bengaluru, June 5 (NationPress) Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the suspension of five senior police officials, including the Bengaluru Police Commissioner and DCP (Central Division), following the tragic stampede incident near the Chinnaswamy Stadium that occurred on June 4, claiming the lives of at least 11 individuals.
During an emergency press conference at the Vidhana Soudha, CM Siddaramaiah declared that the case will be transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Furthermore, a one-man commission has been established, led by Justice John Michael D’Cunha, a retired High Court judge, to investigate the incident.
“It has been resolved to suspend the Cubbon Park Police Station Police Inspector (Girish A.K.), along with the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of that zone (Balakrishna), the Central Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) (H.T. Shekar), the Additional Commissioner of Police overseeing stadium security, and the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner (B. Dayananda),” Siddaramaiah stated.
These measures were taken after discussions regarding this unfortunate event. The Deputy Chief Minister, Home Minister, and ministers H.K. Patil, M.C. Sudhakar, and H.C. Mahadevappa, alongside CID officials, participated in the discussions, he noted.
“Initial evidence shows clear irresponsibility and negligence on the part of these officials, prompting their suspension,” he added.
The stampede, occurring during the RCB's first IPL trophy victory celebration, was deeply tragic, and condolences were extended to the victims' families. This matter was thoroughly discussed in the day’s cabinet meeting. CM Siddaramaiah emphasized that decisions were taken after evaluating the previous day's tragic occurrence.
Legal action has been directed against representatives of the RCB franchise, DNA Event Management Company, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). An FIR has been lodged against them, he confirmed.
“Such an incident has not happened during my tenure as MLA, minister, Dy CM, or Chief Minister. It has left us profoundly saddened,” he remarked.
The government stands with the families affected by this tragedy, praying for serenity for the departed souls, he stated.
The magisterial inquiry, as mandated yesterday, has already commenced. Following the receipt of information regarding this significant tragedy, it was discussed in the cabinet meeting. The investigation against the three entities (RCB, DNA Events, KSCA) has been assigned to the CID,” he added.
The Karnataka High Court on Thursday requested a report from the Congress-led Karnataka government concerning the lapses and other specifics regarding the stampede event near the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru that resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals.
In response to the stampede, the High Court registered a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and requested a report from the state government.
A division bench, led by acting Chief Justice V. Kameshwar Rao, expressed concern over the tragedy and inquired whether the Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) were adhered to and if sufficient guidelines were established to manage the situation at the Chinnaswamy Stadium during the victory celebrations.
Previously, the Karnataka Police filed Unnatural Death Cases (UDR) regarding the incident involving the deaths of 11 individuals during the stampede. The Cubbon Park police have filed 11 UDR cases, with no FIR registered in connection with the developments thus far.