Why Hasn't the Karnataka Government Suspended ADGP Intelligence Hemant Nimbalkar?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Karnataka government is facing criticism for its handling of the stampede incident.
- ADGP Intelligence Hemant Nimbalkar has been accused of negligence.
- Public accountability remains a central issue in this controversy.
- The role of the Intelligence Department is crucial in preventing such tragedies.
- Political connections may influence disciplinary actions in law enforcement.
Bengaluru, June 6 (NationPress) A formal complaint was lodged with the Karnataka Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Friday against ADGP Intelligence Hemant Nimbalkar, accusing him of gross negligence related to the tragic stampede incident near Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4 that resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals.
In response to public outrage, the Karnataka government has initiated a transfer order for Hemant Nimbalkar. However, the state administration faces criticism for taking strict action against three IPS officers and two senior police personnel, including the Bengaluru Police Commissioner, while seemingly showing leniency towards Nimbalkar, who is married to a Congress leader and former MLA.
Abraham T.J., the President of the Anti-Graft/Corruption and Environment Forum, has filed a complaint and is questioning the Chief Minister's decisions.
He stated: "I appeal to the government and especially the Chief Minister to consider suspension proceedings against Hemant Nimbalkar due to the Intelligence Department's catastrophic failure, directly linked to the stampede that caused 11 fatalities and over 56 injuries.”
Abraham noted, "Nimbalkar’s connection to Congress leader Anjali Nimbalkar, who contested unsuccessfully in the 2023 assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, raises concerns about bias in the handling of this situation.”
“Considering the evident intelligence failure, which was the primary cause of these tragic events, why is only the Commissioner of Police, the Additional Commissioner, and the Deputy Commissioner facing suspension?” he questioned.
This situation raises critical questions about accountability, as the issue primarily arises from an intelligence oversight failure, which should have placed the responsibility on Nimbalkar from the outset, Abraham emphasized.
"Why is no action being taken against him?" he asked.
“The Karnataka government, particularly the CM, has implicitly recognized that the stampede was due to poor judgement and negligence by specific officers.
"The Intelligence Department, a division of the Karnataka Police led by an Additional Director General of Police, is tasked with gathering and disseminating intelligence, identifying potential threats to public safety, and preventing incidents that could harm the community,” Abraham outlined in his grievance.
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy also weighed in on the matter concerning Hemant Nimbalkar, criticizing the state government for not taking action against him, citing a need to consult their higher command.