Bengaluru Stampede: Retired High Court Judge To Lead Probe Into 11 Tragic Deaths Outside Chinnaswamy

Bengaluru: Following the tragic death of 11 cricket enthusiasts and injuries to over 50 others after a stampede broke out during Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) victory celebrations outside Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Karnataka government has formed a magistrate-level inquiry committee. In a latest update in the context, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday stated that a retired High Court judge will lead the magisterial investigation into the deadly stampede. 

The commission, led by retired High Court judge Justice Michael D'Cunha, will investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede and identify those responsible. "Under the chairmanship of Justice Michael D'Cunha, a retired judge of the High Court, we have appointed a one-man commission to investigate the incident," Siddaramaiah stated.

The chief minister also confirmed that the committee will submit its report within 15 days. He further said that the stadium has a capacity of only 35,000 people, but 2-3 lakh people were present there, which led to a stampede-like situation.

Top Police Officials Suspended

In the series of actions following the tragic deaths, the state government has suspended top police officials, including the Commissioner of Bengaluru City Police. "Cubbon Park Police Station Police Inspector, Station House Master, Station House Officer, ACP, Central Division DCP, Cricket Stadium in-charge, Additional Commissioner of Police, Commissioner of Police have been suspended with immediate effect," the CM announced.

An FIR has been filed against RCB, the event management firm, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Administrative Committee, citing criminal negligence. Siddaramaiah emphasised the government's commitment to accountability, stating, "On RCB, the event manager DNA Entertainment, and KSCA, who represented them, we have decided to arrest them."

High Court Intervention

On the other hand, the Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and sought a further status report from the state government. 

Earlier, Siddaramaiah expressed deep sorrow over the incident, saying, "When I was speaking about the tragedy yesterday, 11 died and 47 were injured -- all were in pain, and we still are. It was important to express our condolences and console the families." 

Further details regarding the incident are awaited.