CM sacks top cops amid BJP calls to quit; RCB, event officials face arrest

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday announced the suspension of Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayanand, Additional Commissioner (West) Vikash Kumar Vikash, DCP (Central) Shekhar H Tekkannavar, and other lower-rung officials, holding them accountable for the stampede at M Chinnaswamy Stadium that left 11 people dead and several others injured during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL victory celebrations.

At a press conference, the CM said the officers were found prima facie negligent in their duty. Admitting to an intelligence failure, he said, "Such a tragedy has never occurred in my long political career since my days as an MLA... This has devastated me." The decisions were taken after a Cabinet meeting and discussions with ministers amid mounting public and political criticism.

Probe by Retired HC Judge


Siddaramaiah announced a judicial inquiry headed by retired High Court judge Justice John Michael D'Cunha, and said the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) would take over the probe into the two FIRs registered at Cubbon Park Police Station. The CID will investigate the roles of IPL franchise RCB, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and event management firm DNA Entertainment Networks. The CM also directed the arrest of senior executives of the three organisations for allegedly hosting the event without adequate preparations. Police have launched a lookout for the executives.

Karnataka to Frame SOP for mega Events now

Earlier in the day, the Karnataka government said it would frame a new standard operating procedure (SOP) for mega events, meetings, and celebrations to prevent similar incidents. Home Minister G Parameshwara said all large gatherings in the state must now adhere to police-issued guidelines. "To ensure such incidents do not recur, the Home Department will frame a new SOP," he told reporters.

The home minister noted that over 8.7 lakh people had travelled on Bengaluru Metro between 9 am and 11 pm on Wednesday - far beyond expectations.