Kumaraswamy describes suspension of police officers as political ploy
Bengaluru, June 6 (UNI) Former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday sharply criticised the Karnataka government for its handling of the recent Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) felicitation event, describing the suspension of Police Commissioner B Dayanand as a political ploy to deflect responsibility.
Speaking to the media in a joint BJP JDS press conference, Kumaraswamy said the government was distancing itself from the event, claiming it was not the organiser, but the sincerity of this claim was questionable. 'This is an attempt to manipulate public perception and protect political positions. There is no clear evidence that the government authorised or adequately managed the event,' he said.
Kumaraswamy expressed serious concern over the confusion caused by dual arrangements for the event — one at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and another on the Karnataka Legislative Assembly steps — which led to chaotic scenes and loss of lives. He emphasised that poor planning and lack of coordination by the government contributed directly to the tragedy.
'The government's vague permissions and conflicting communication created an unsafe environment for the public. This is not a failure of the police but a failure of the government's leadership and management,' he added.
He also highlighted the inadequacy of compensation for victims of the accident, pointing out a stark disparity. 'In other states, victims receive good amount of compensation for serious accidents, whereas here only Rs 10 lakh is offered. While money cannot replace life, better humanitarian support is the least the families deserve,' Kumaraswamy said.
On the suspension of police officials, he argued that merely suspending a few officers was a superficial response. 'Suspending two or four officers and damaging their reputations won't solve the deeper problems. The government must take full responsibility for the mismanagement,' he asserted.
Kumaraswamy urged the government to stop blaming police personnel and focus on delivering justice and support to the victims and their families. 'There is no room for political games in tragedies. The people of Karnataka deserve transparency, accountability, and humane governance,' he concluded.
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