Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Credit: DH File Photo
Mysuru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that stampede occurred near Chinnaswamy stadium and not near the Vidhan Soudha where the event was held/.
"I have no connection with this. When we have not committed any mistake, there is no question of embarrassment. I reiterate that such an incident should not have happened, and it has happened due to dereliction of duty by officials, prima facie.
"I am hurt, the entire government is hurt. The first death that occurred due to the stampede happened at 3.50 pm but I was informed of it only at 5.45 pm."
"I was not informed by of any security arrangements for the event near Chinnaswamy stadium by the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner. Hence, action has been initiated against senior police officials, Intelligence IG has been changed, CM's political secretary has been removed," he said.
He was speaking to media on his arrival at Mysuru Airport on Sunday evening.
Siddaramaiah explained, "Regarding the function at grand steps of Vidhan Soudha, DCP Security had sought permission from DPAR secretary Sathyavathi.
"She told them that they will give permission if government agrees to hold it. DPAR Secretary permitted with some conditions and the police had to fulfill those.
"Chief Secretary informed me that police had given the go ahead and they would hold the event. KSCA Secretary and Treasurer who organised that event at grand steps invited me and told me that Governor will also participate. There was no untoward incident near Vidhan Soudha premises. But I was not invited for the event at Chinnaswamy stadium," he said.
When asked about protest by BJP regarding stampede and allegation that image of Bengaluru is affected with this, he said, "They are protesting politically, making false allegations and telling lies. Where has the government erred?
"BJP and JD(S) demanded for judicial probe and we have initiated it. We have initiated action on those whose derelection of duty is found, as per initial reports.
"Did BJP and JD(S) leaders demand resignation of any when 50 to 60 people died in stampede during Kumbh mela in Uttar Pradesh? Did they demand PM's resignation when 100 people died after bridge inaugurated by Prime Minister collapsed the same day?" he questioned.
He said, "BJP leaders of Karnataka had sought permission for the procession of players in open bus in Bengaluru and had alleged that Home Minister Dr G Parameshwar as inefficient for denying permission and alleged that they deprived fans from seeing their favourite players closely," CM said.
When asked if AICC had sought any report related to stampede, CM said it is not true.
When asked about proposal to shift the Cricket stadium to Bengaluru city outskirts, he said that they will have to identify land and they will consider the proposal
When asked about delay in release of MGNREGA funds, CM Siddaramaiah "MGNREGA funds are not released on time from the Central Government led by NDA every year. We have written several letters about it," he said.
Regarding transfer of Suhas Shetty's murder case to NIA, "DGP informed this and I have asked him to consult Advocate general after that we would decide."