Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Thursday the immediate suspension of Bengaluru’s Police Commissioner along with several senior law enforcement officials after a fatal stampede claimed 11 lives outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL championship celebration.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday when 11 people lost their lives and 47 others sustained injuries in a stampede near the stadium during a special recognition ceremony organized by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to celebrate RCB players following their first IPL title victory in 18 years.
Speaking at a press conference following today’s Cabinet session, Siddaramaiah revealed that multiple officials including the Additional Police Commissioner, cricket stadium officer-in-charge, ACP, central DCP, station house officer, police housemaster, and Cubbon Park police station head were immediately suspended in connection with the tragedy.
The Chief Minister also directed the Karnataka DGP and IGP to immediately detain RCB representatives, DNA event management officials, and KSCA members following the incident.
“This was an extraordinary tragedy resulting in 11 deaths and over 37 injuries. All injured individuals are receiving complimentary medical care,” he stated.
Siddaramaiah announced that his administration has transferred the investigation to the Crime Investigation Department (CID) and intends to establish a commission to examine the tragedy.
“We plan to constitute a single-member commission under the experienced leadership of retired High Court judge John Michael D’Cunha. The Cabinet has decided to arrest representatives of involved organizations due to their negligent actions,” he explained.
WHAT CAUSED THE STAMPEDE?
Based on initial reports submitted to the state administration, a temporary platform constructed over a drainage system near the stadium collapsed due to the crowd’s weight, sources revealed. The unexpected structural failure triggered panic and resulted in the deadly stampede.
The KSCA-organized event attracted massive crowds. Despite being intended for ticket and pass holders only, supporters gathered at the venue hoping to see their cricket champions.
The victims ranged from 13 to 35 years old and included both young men and women.
Senior sources speaking to India Today TV indicated that the Karnataka government proceeded with the celebration ceremony the day following RCB’s victory, despite Bengaluru Police recommendations to postpone it until Sunday for logistical and security considerations.
POLICE REGISTER CRIMINAL CASE
Bengaluru Police have filed charges against the RCB franchise, KSCA, DNA Networks, and other parties related to the stampede incident.
The FIR was lodged by Cubbon Park Police, as confirmed by DCP Central Shekar H Tekkannavar. The case was registered independently and identifies multiple organizations as defendants in allegations of criminal negligence.
The Karnataka High Court today requested the Siddaramaiah government to submit a status report regarding the stampede and scheduled the next hearing for June 10.
The state administration informed the High Court that more than 1,000 police officers, including the city police commissioner, DCPs, and ACPs, were stationed at M Chinnaswamy Stadium during the incident. This disclosure came after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar previously stated that 5,000 police personnel were present for crowd management.