Bengaluru: The victory celebration for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) turned into a tragedy on June 4 when a massive crowd gathered outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, leading to a stampede that killed 11 people and injured many others. Now, it has come to light that the police had issued a clear warning about possible security issues just hours before the event, but it was ignored.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) MN Karibasvanna had sent a letter to G Satyavathi, secretary of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), on June 4. In his letter, the DCP warned about a serious shortage of security staff and a lack of CCTV cameras at Vidhana Soudha, where the event was being held. He clearly stated that organizing such a large event with short notice could lead to major safety issues, especially since the RCB team has a huge fan following and was expected to attract lakhs of people.
Despite the warning, Karnataka government went ahead with the grand felicitation event at the steps of Vidhana Soudha. The Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar were present at the event, which was followed by a massive gathering at the stadium that evening, where the stampede occurred.
After the incident, the government filed an FIR against the RCB franchise, the event management company DNA Entertainment Pvt Ltd, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Several senior police officers, including Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda, were suspended.
Four people, including senior RCB official Nikhil Sosale and three event managers, were arrested in a joint operation by the local police and the Central Crime Branch. Additionally, KSCA secretary A Shankar and treasurer ES Jairam resigned from their posts, accepting “moral responsibility” for the incident.
To investigate the matter thoroughly, the state government has set up a one-man commission headed by retired High Court judge John Michael Cunha. The commission has been asked to submit a report within 30 days, suggesting ways to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The government has also announced an increase in the compensation for the families of the deceased, from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh each.
Meanwhile, the opposition BJP strongly criticised the Congress-led state government. BJP MLA Arvind Bellad said that the focus on VIP security left the crowd unprotected. Senior BJP leader CT Ravi also blamed the CM and deputy CM, saying that their desire for political credit and selfies with players cost innocent lives.
