Several police personnel seen at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday, where 11 people died in a tragic stampede as thousands of fans had thronged to take part in the celebrations of RCB's win in the Indian Premier League
Credit: DH photo
Facing public flak after the stampede-induced death of 11 people, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday suspended Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda and a few other police officials, while also ordering the immediate arrest of representatives of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), event managers DNA and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).
While stating that the case against the three companies would be handed over to the CID, Siddaramaiah also pointed out that a one-person commission would be formed under retired High Court Judge John Michael Cunha to look into the procedural lapses in the issue.
The decision came a day after the death of 11 persons in a stampede while participating in the victory celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning their maiden IPL title.
Following the Cabinet meeting, Siddaramaiah, his deputy D K Shivakumar, Home Minister G Parameshwara and other senior Cabinet members huddled with DG and IGP M A Saleem to discuss the horrific tragedy that has shaken the state capital.
Addressing reporters later, the chief minister said: "The Cabinet has decided to suspend the Cubbon Park Police Station inspector, ACP of that jurisdiction, DCP (Central), Additional Commissioner of Police, who is also the incharge of the stadium and Bengaluru City Police Commissioner."
Explaining that FIRs had already been filed against RCB, DNA and KSCA, he said the DGP had been directed to arrest the representatives of these firms.
"A CID inquiry will be initiated into it."
Explaining the rationale behind the decision to arrest these representatives, the chief minister explained that the "irresponsibility" and "carelessness" of these firms was evident prima facie.
The one-person commission formed under Justice Cunha has been given a month's time to submit its report.
"I don't know of earlier instances but after I became an MLA (1983), such an incident has never happened. This shouldn't have happened and has saddened us. None will be spared."
When quizzed about intelligence failure, Siddaramaiah conceded that there had been some intelligence failure but explained that no action had yet been initiated in that regard.
Shivakumar, Parameshwara, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil, Social Welfare Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa and Higher Education Minister Dr H C Sudhakar were also present during the press meet.