Bengaluru Police Commissioner, Senior Police Officials Suspended After Deadly Stampede; RCB and Event Agency Under Fire

Ravi Singh

In a swift and unprecedented move, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered the suspension of Bengaluru Police Commissioner and multiple senior police officials following the tragic stampede that claimed 11 lives outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The incident occurred during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebration on Wednesday evening, where a massive crowd had gathered, quickly spiraling into chaos due to poor crowd control and mismanagement.

In the wake of the incident, the Chief Minister has also directed the immediate arrest of representatives from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), DNA Event Management—the organizing agency—and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Emphasizing accountability and swift action, Siddaramaiah confirmed that the investigation would be handled by a one-man judicial commission led by retired Karnataka High Court judge, Justice Michael Cunha, with a deadline of 30 days to submit the report.

Speaking after a high-level cabinet meeting on Thursday, the Chief Minister expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives and pointed to gross negligence in managing the event. “This tragedy could have been avoided. We have instructed the DGP and IGP to arrest those responsible from RCB, DNA Events, and KSCA. No one will be spared,” he stated.

Further administrative action includes the suspension of the Circle Inspector of Cubbon Park Police Station, the Assistant Commissioner of Police of the concerned division, the Deputy Commissioner of Police of Central Zone, the Additional Commissioner in charge of the stadium, and the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner himself. The government’s strong response aims to send a clear message that lapses in public safety will not be tolerated, regardless of the stature of those involved.

The stampede has sent shockwaves across the country, especially among cricket fans, who had come in large numbers to join in the celebrations. The government’s focus now shifts to justice for the victims, accountability for the mismanagement, and ensuring such incidents never repeat in future large-scale public events in Karnataka.