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Bengaluru Top Cop Suspended Over Stampede: Here Are Other Cases Of Police Commissioners' Ouster
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Police commissioners being suspended following perceived lapses in handling law-and-order situations has been rare in India
Karnataka's Siddaramaiah-led government has decided to suspend Bengaluru police commissioner B Dayananda, along with additional commissioner (West) Vikas Kumar, deputy commissioner of police (DCP), Central Bengaluru, Shekar H Tekkannanavar, and assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Balakrishna, following the stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium this week that claimed 11 lives and left dozens injured.
The action came after the tragedy during celebrations for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's maiden IPL victory that saw an 'uncontrollable" outpouring of fans.
Police commissioners being suspended following perceived lapses in handling law-and-order situations has been rare in India. Here are some past instances:
Mumbai GRP Commissioner (June 2024)—Ghatkopar Billboard Collapse
IPS officer Quaiser Khalid, who was the commissioner of the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Mumbai, was suspended by the Maharashtra government in June 2024. This suspension was for alleged irregularities and 'multiple lapses" in approving a massive hoarding that collapsed in Ghatkopar on May 13, killing 17 people and injuring over 70.
The inquiry revealed that Khalid had allegedly granted permission for an oversized hoarding without the necessary approval from the DGP's office and even altered the contract duration.
Vijayawada Police Commissioner (September 2024)—Harassment of Actor-Model
The case of Kanthi Rana Tata, the then Vijayawada police commissioner (among other IPS officers), being suspended by the Andhra Pradesh government in September 2024, reflects a serious lapse in conduct and abuse of power. These officers were suspended for their alleged involvement in the wrongful arrest and harassment of Mumbai-based actor-model Kadambari Jethwani without a proper investigation.
The inquiry found 'prima facie evidence" of 'grave misconduct and dereliction of duty", including instructions for arrest even before an FIR was officially filed.
Mumbai Police Commissioner (December 2021/May 2023)—Antilia Bomb Scare Case
Param Bir Singh, the Mumbai police commissioner, was suspended in December 2021 following allegations of misconduct and purported mishandling of the Antilia Bomb Scare case. He faced multiple cases of extortion, corruption, and misconduct.
His suspension was later revoked by the Maharashtra government in May 2023 after charges were dropped and a Central Administrative Tribunal order.
Delhi Police Commissioner (April 1997)—Mistaken Identity Shootout
Nikhil Kumar, the Delhi police commissioner, was removed from his post in April 1997. This happened in the furore over the killing of two businessmen near Connaught Place in a case of mistaken identity by the police.
The CBI was asked to probe the incident, and all policemen involved were suspended, leading to the commissioner's removal for the major lapse and loss of innocent lives.
