Chinnaswamy Stampede Tragedy: Top Police Officials, Including Police Commissioner, Suspended

Bengaluru: Following the tragic death of 11 cricket fans and injury to over 50 others, the under pressure state government of Karnataka has ordered the suspension of the Commissioner of Police (CP), Bengaluru, along with several other top cops. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday announced a series of actions, including the suspension of senior police officials and ordering a magisterial probe led by a retired High Court judge, in the Bengaluru stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB's IPL victory celebrations. 

Announcing the suspension, Siddaramaiah said, "The police inspector of Cubbon Park police station, station house master, station house officer, ACP, Central Division DCP, in-charge of cricket stadium, additional commissioner of police and police commissioner have been suspended with immediate effect." In addition, the government has directed the arrest of representatives of RCB, DNA event management agency and Karnataka State Cricket Association.

He further said that a one-man commission headed by Justice Michael D'Cunha has been formed to investigate the matter, which will submit its report within 30 days. Earlier in the day, the Bengaluru police had filed an FIR against RCB, the state cricket association and others on various charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Siddaramaiah confirmed the immediate suspension of these high-ranking police officials:

- Cubbon Park Police Station Police Inspector
- Station House Master
- Station House Officer
- ACP (Assistant Commissioner of Police)
- Central Division DCP (Deputy Commissioner of Police)
- Cricket Stadium in charge
- Additional Commissioner of Police
- Commissioner of Police

What's In The FIR?

The FIR registered on Thursday included charges such as voluntarily causing hurt, voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt using dangerous weapons or means, voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to deter a public servant from his duty, and unlawful assembly. Notably, the chief minister has also asked police to arrest representatives of RCB, the event management agency and the KSCA.

Karnataka Home Minister Parameshwara said the state government will formulate a new standard operating procedure (SOP) for large events, meetings and functions to prevent such incidents in the future. However, the victims' families said that the government's announcements or FIRs did not bring any solace to the families of the victims.

Agony Of The Victim's Family

"Why did they not make proper arrangements? They arrange everything for political events on Mysore Palace Road. There should have been proper planning for this celebration as well. There should have been intelligence," said a member of the victim's family.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and has sought a report from the state government. The court said it will hear the matter on June 10 and has sought a status report from the state government.