Following the tragic stampede at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed 11 lives and left over 60 injured, the Karnataka government has made sweeping administrative changes—suspending five senior police officers and appointing IPS officer Seemanth Kumar Singh as the new Bengaluru City Police Commissioner.
The move comes amid intense public outrage and political pressure, with growing calls for accountability in the wake of the chaos during the RCB IPL victory celebrations.
“Immediate Action Will Be Taken”: New Commissioner Speaks
Upon assuming office, Seemanth Kumar Singh, a senior IPS officer known for his crisis management skills, addressed the media saying:
“I will continue the good work of my predecessors and take immediate steps regarding the stampede investigation.”
His appointment is seen as a bid to restore public confidence and tighten administrative response following the incident.
Stampede During RCB Felicitation Event Triggers Administrative Shake-up
The deadly incident unfolded during the felicitation ceremony of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after their historic first IPL title win in 18 years. An overwhelming crowd—estimated to be over 8 lakh—converged on the venue, many without tickets or passes, leading to overcrowding, chaos, and a fatal stampede at the entry gates.
The government has suspended the following officers with immediate effect for gross negligence and failure in crowd management:
B Dayananda – Police Commissioner
Vikash Kumar Vikash – Additional Commissioner of Police
Shekhar H.T. – Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central)
Balakrishna – Assistant Commissioner of Police
Girish A.K. – Inspector, Cubbon Park Police Station
The Home Department cited “substantial dereliction of duty,” noting that despite RCB notifying police on June 3, no formal denial or crowd control measures were enforced.
CM Orders CID Probe, High Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance
Amid strong criticism from opposition parties and civil society, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a multi-layered investigation:
A Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe is underway.
RCB, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and DNA Entertainment (event organizer) are under scrutiny.
A judicial inquiry led by Justice Michael Cunha, retired High Court judge, has also been commissioned.
“This tragedy could have been avoided. We had advised RCB to postpone the event, but preparations were inadequate, and communication gaps were evident,” the CM stated.
RCB’s June 4 Post Sparks Timeline Controversy
Preliminary findings cast doubt on the government’s claim that the event was hastily organized.
RCB had posted on social media on June 4 about the parade and felicitation ceremony, complete with links for free passes and details about the schedule. The call for a “limited entry” event did little to deter the overwhelming turnout.
The situation worsened as a large number of police personnel were reportedly deployed at Vidhana Soudha for VIP security, leaving the stadium area inadequately guarded.
High Court Demands Answers
The Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident and has directed the state government to:
Submit a detailed status report outlining the causes of the stampede.
Present a future preparedness plan to prevent similar disasters.
What Lies Ahead
A case has been registered against RCB, KSCA, and DNA Entertainment.
The CID investigation will probe communication failures and administrative lapses.
Further bureaucratic reshuffles and stricter accountability measures are likely as the state attempts to prevent future tragedies and rebuild trust.
