Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday declined to comment further on the tragic stampede that occurred outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, stating that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had already provided all necessary details and that the law would take its own course.
“I don’t want to comment on anything. We have discussed in detail. The Chief Minister has explained everything. Whatever information is there, the CM has already conveyed. Let the law take its own course,” Shivakumar told reporters.
Earlier, an emotional Shivakumar had criticised the opposition—BJP and JD(S)—for “playing politics with dead bodies,” while expressing grief over the loss of lives. He had pledged full support to the bereaved families.
The stampede claimed 11 lives and left over 30 injured as nearly three lakh people gathered to attend the victory celebration of IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the stadium.
Calling the tragedy “unexpected,” the state government has moved swiftly to act. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a one-man judicial commission, led by retired High Court judge Justice Michael D’Cunha, to investigate the incident. He further ordered the arrest of the event organisers and those associated with managing the celebration.
“Action will be taken against those responsible for the mismanagement of the event. On RCB, the event manager DNA Entertainment, and KSCA, who represented them, we have decided to arrest them,” the Chief Minister said.
In a major administrative shake-up, the government also suspended several senior police officers with immediate effect. These include the Commissioner of Bengaluru City Police, Additional Commissioner, DCP of Central Division, ACP, Cubbon Park Station House Officer, and other officials in charge of the stadium.
The Karnataka Police have filed an FIR at Cubbon Park Police Station against the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Administrative Committee, RCB, DNA Entertainment, and others. The FIR invokes charges related to criminal negligence under various sections including 105, 125(1)(2), 132, 121/1, 190 R/w 3(5).
The Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and directed the state government to submit a detailed status report. The court’s move comes amid widespread public outrage and calls for accountability.
CM Siddaramaiah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to justice, expressing deep sorrow over the deaths and assuring that firm steps will be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.
