How Will Karnataka Implement Stampede Report Recommendations Step by Step?

Bengaluru, July 25 (NationPress) Karnataka's Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced on Friday that the state government is set to roll out the recommendations from the report by retired Justice John Michael D'Cunha, concerning the tragic stampede on June 4 that resulted in 11 fatalities. This implementation will occur in a systematic, phased manner.

The significance of this announcement is heightened by the Karnataka Cabinet's formal acceptance of the report, which has led to the decision to pursue legal actions against various individuals and organizations, including police personnel, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise, event management firm DNA, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Legal proceedings will target KSCA President Raghuram Bhat, former KSCA President A. Shankar, former Treasurer Jayaram E.S., RCB Vice President Rajesh Menon, and DNA Managing Director Dr. Venkatavardhan.

During a press conference in Bengaluru, Parameshwara stated, “The government is committed to implementing the recommendations outlined by Justice John Michael D'Cunha regarding the stampede tragedy. We will work on these recommendations sequentially. Ongoing legal cases involving RCB and DNA will proceed. The officers implicated have already faced suspension and disciplinary measures. Now, we have decided to launch a departmental inquiry.”

He pointed out that the report includes key recommendations such as setting specific conditions for event approvals and establishing guidelines for effective crowd management, all of which the government intends to consider seriously.

Parameshwara made it clear that the departmental inquiry will be administratively conducted and handled internally. “This decision follows comprehensive internal discussions,” he added.

When asked about the BJP's claims that the process is merely a cover-up for government-level failures, Parameshwara responded, “The BJP is in opposition. We have consistently invited them to provide constructive feedback and recommendations, which we are open to considering for the welfare of the state and its citizens. Their criticisms are a natural part of opposition politics -- we too did the same when we were in their position. I cannot ask them to refrain from voicing their opinions.”

He further clarified that the report does not implicate any politicians, including Congress MLC K. Govindaraju, who was dismissed from his role as Political Advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after the stampede. “The report specifically focuses on RCB, DNA, KSCA, and certain police officials,” he clarified.

Responding to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's allegations of electoral fraud in Karnataka, Parameshwara mentioned that the State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar had already addressed this, acknowledging that such irregularities took place in Karnataka. “Rahul Gandhi has confidently asserted that electoral misconduct occurred not only in Karnataka but throughout the nation. He has pledged to substantiate these claims with solid evidence. We await the developments,” Parameshwara stated.

On the contentious Mahadayi project, the Home Minister noted that the Central government had approved the project in 2022, but the approval was subsequently revoked, reigniting tensions between Goa and Karnataka. “For us, this is a vital drinking water project. The Centre has repeatedly emphasized the importance of facilitating such initiatives, and we echo that sentiment,” he remarked.

“We believe there should be no obstacles to a drinking water project. We welcome the Centre's involvement in resolving this matter and are actively urging for it. Similarly, the Mekedatu project is designed to ensure a drinking water supply for Bengaluru city, not for agricultural use. Our proposal aims to deliver 42 TMC of water to Bengaluru, and we seek the Centre's endorsement for the Mekedatu project,” he concluded.