Retired IPS officers urge Siddaramaiah to revoke suspensions over stampede
The Indian Police Foundation, along with several retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, wrote to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urging him to revoke the suspension orders issued against three IPS officers, including Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda.In their letter, the retired officers stated that a social media post made by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) management triggered a massive crowd turnout near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium leading to a deadly stampede which claimed eleven lives. They emphasised that although the police had made necessary security arrangements, the confusion surrounding ticketing procedures and the scheduling of dual events at both Vidhana Soudha and the stadium created an extremely difficult situation for crowd control.advertisementThe officers noted that the public response had far exceeded initial expectations and that the police, despite facing logistical constraints, had done their best under the circumstances. The appeal describes the suspension of the three officers as unjust and requests that the decision be reviewed and revoked at the earliest.
On June 5, top sources had revealed to India Today that the Karnataka government went ahead with the RCB felicitation ceremony the day after the team's Indian Premier League (IPL) victory, despite the Bengaluru Police having advised that it be held on Sunday, June 8, instead. The police had reportedly suggested that Sunday, being a non-working day, would cause less traffic disruption and allow sufficient time for preparing security arrangements and setting up barricades.Sources also said that police personnel had worked late into the nights of June 3 and reportedly until 4 am on June 4, to manage the crowds that had taken to the streets following RCB's IPL win. Given the exhaustive shifts, senior officers indicated that deploying forces again the following morning for another high-pressure event would have been physically draining for the personnel.advertisementKarnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, after chairing a Cabinet meeting on June 5, announced the immediate suspension of several police officials, including Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda, the stadium in-charge, the ACP, the central DCP, the Cubbon Park police station in-charge, and the police housemaster.Support poured in from former officers, political parties, citizens, and online communities rallying behind suspended Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda against the order.
IN THIS STORY#Bengaluru#Karnataka
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