Is the Cong-led K'taka government accountable for the stampede?

Bengaluru, June 4 (NationPress) Union Minister for Large and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy expressed profound sorrow on Wednesday regarding the tragic stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, claiming the lives of at least 11 individuals and leaving over 30 injured. This unfortunate occurrence transpired as fans rushed to enter the stadium for a celebration event commemorating RCB's first IPL trophy victory.

"In my view, this incident reflects a significant failure of the government. Since yesterday, cricket enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating the event. Today, the government extended an invitation, and the RCB team agreed to come to Bengaluru. If appropriate security measures had been implemented, this tragedy could have been avoided," he stated in an interview with IANS.

He further remarked, "This is a governmental failure. To welcome the cricket players, our Deputy Chief Minister visited the airport, yet the Chief Minister appeared to take this matter lightly. It's unclear whether the Home Minister is present in Karnataka. There is widespread criticism regarding the management of law and order. I pray for the family members affected by this tragedy to find solace," he added.

"The stampede occurring at Chinnaswamy Stadium, where 11 lives were tragically lost during the RCB victory celebration, has left me deeply disturbed. The loss of innocent lives just before what should have been a joyous occasion saddens me greatly," he emphasized.

Kumaraswamy asserted that the primary reason behind this calamity is the lack of adequate preparation and safety protocols. He insisted that the Congress-led state government should be held entirely accountable for the catastrophe.

Moreover, he insisted that the government must ensure prompt and effective treatment for the injured and provide immediate assistance to the families of the victims.

"My heartfelt concern is that cricket fans who attended the celebrations near the stadium and Vidhana Soudha should return home safely without panic. The police must take swift action to assist the public in this regard," he stated.

The stampede ensued as thousands of fans hurried to enter the stadium through various gates. Police at the scene transported the injured to ambulances and took them to nearby Bowring and Vaidehi Hospitals.

Authorities reported that ambulances faced delays in reaching hospitals due to traffic congestion.

Earlier, the Karnataka government had canceled the victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Stadium due to security concerns.

Law enforcement stated that they had been managing the celebratory crowds since Tuesday evening, working throughout the night to prevent any untoward incidents.

The Karnataka government confirmed that at least 11 individuals lost their lives and over 30 were injured in the stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium. The government announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and has called for a magisterial probe.

During a press conference in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remarked, "A significant tragedy has occurred during the victory celebration. Eleven people have unfortunately died in the stampede, and 33 others are injured."

"I have visited Bowring and Vaidehi hospitals. This calamity, happening during a celebration, is profoundly saddening. We anticipated a large turnout, but it exceeded our expectations. Around 1 lakh people gathered outside Vidhana Soudha, while the Chinnaswamy Stadium has a capacity of 35,000, yet approximately 2 to 3 lakh attendees converged at the stadium," the Chief Minister said.

"No one could have predicted such a turnout. We had expected slightly more than the stadium's capacity. Tragically, most of the deceased are young individuals. We will provide Rs 10 lakh compensation to each family of the deceased, and the injured will receive free medical treatment," Siddaramaiah stated.

Medical officials confirmed that all injured individuals are now out of danger.

"I pray for the souls of the departed and their families. I am initiating a magisterial inquiry into this incident, and appropriate actions will be taken against those found responsible," he stated.

He reiterated that this incident was unexpected and caught everyone off guard.