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Indian Express
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
Countdown to Bengaluru stampede tragedy: State, RCB insisted on own events, security was stretched thin
As the Karnataka government ordered a probe into Wednesday's stampede at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where 11 fans of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru were trampled to death by thousands of RCB fans trying to get into the stadium to celebrate the team's first IPL win in 18 years, the first details on what probably led to the tragedy pointed to the RCB's refusal to stall the event until Sunday and the state government's insistence on sharing the spotlight the same day. Multiple sources in the police and state government, a police FIR on the stampede case, submissions made by the state before the Karnataka High Court which took up the case suo motu, all revealed that resources to protect the life and limb of RCB fans were stretched thin by competing interests of the RCB and the state. According to a senior police officer, the RCB's unilateral decision of holding a Victory Parade Wednesday in Bengaluru, without obtaining police permission as mandated under the Karnataka Police Act for events requiring police security, and the decision of the state government at the eleventh hour to hold its own event to bask in the glory of the RCB played a key role in the tragedy involving frenzied fans. 'We were stretched thin in terms of resources. We were virtually handling four events simultaneously on that day – the arrival of the RCB team at the airport, their safe transport to the team hotel, to the government felicitation ceremony and finally to the RCB event at the Chinnaswamy Stadium,' the officer said. The entire Bengaluru police, which had been working until 3 am the previous night due to the IPL finals, were forced to provide a security blanket across the city for the second day, especially for the government event at the Vidhana Soudha and the RCB event at Chinnaswamy Stadium located a kilometre away. An FIR registered by the Bengaluru police Thursday against RCB, the Karnataka State Cricket Association, the custodians of the stadium, and a private event management firm suggests that the virtual overlap of the RCB event and the government event between 3 pm and 5 pm on June 4, along with a free invite given to RCB fans, played a key role in the stampede. An analysis of RCB posts on social media shows that at 7.01 am on June 4, the RCB put out a message on Instagram announcing a Victory Parade for its team. The Victory Parade from the Vidhana Soudha to the Chinnaswamy Stadium was announced by ' on Instagram despite the Bengaluru police rejecting, according to the FIR, a proposal for a parade made the previous night by KSCA CEO Shubendu Ghosh due to possibility of the gathering of a large crowd. By 9 am, word had spread about the Victory Parade via social media, influencers and mainstream media, says the suo motu police complaint . Even as the Bengaluru city police were preparing to deploy forces to deal with the situation arising of the 'unilateral decision' of the RCB to hold the parade, police were informed by the state government of a plan to felicitate RCB players on the portals of the Vidhana Soudha. By 10.30 am, a media communique was issued on behalf of RCB and the state government of RCB's felicitation by Chief Minister Siddaramiah and others in the government, followed by a parade to the stadium for RCB fans. 'The Deputy Chief Minister ( D K Shivakumar) took the initiative for the felicitation. He went to the airport to receive the team, attended the government event and the stadium event,' police sources said. JDS leader and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy targeted Shivakumar. 'Why hold two separate events? One programme, well-organised with proper preparation, would have been enough. There should have been appropriate security and caution. Instead, everything was rushed simply to glorify himself. As a result of this recklessness, sports fans lost their lives,' Kumaraswamy said in New Delhi Wednesday. On Thursday, an emotional Shivakumar said that he had seen the young who died in the stampede. 'No family can digest such an incident,' he said. He said he did not have plans to attend the event despite an invitation by the KSCA. 'I took the KSCA president and other members of the management in my car and we closed the programme in 10 minutes. I was not aware of the deaths until I reached the stadium… I went there and told them not to hold any function,' he said. According to a source in the government, Bengaluru city police commissioner B Dayananda had informed the Chief Minister that they would not be able to hold the event at a short notice. However, another 'influential politician', who is also associated with the sports fraternity, convinced the Chief Minister that the event would result in 'positive vibes', the source said. The issue was discussed with new DGP M A Saleem and directions were given to the Bengaluru police to organise the event. The city police were of the opinion that celebrations must be held on Sunday which would give them some time to arrange security. 'We had only around three hours to arrange security at four to five places. Since the cricket stadium security is handled by RCB and KSCA, the concentration of the police was on the government event at Vidhana Soudha which went off peacefully,' police sources said. A senior police officer said that one of the reasons cited by RCB for holding the Victory Parade Wednesday itself was the fact that the team's foreign players were scheduled to depart for their homes and a full felicitation would not have been possible later in the week. 'The event (at the stadium) was organised on behalf of RCB by DNA Event Management. KSCA is in charge of the stadium. All the security is provided by them in the stadium. All the deaths happened at the entry gates of the stadium. The problem is that 33,000 people were expected, which is the capacity of the stadium, but 2.5 lakh people turned up,' state Advocate General K M Shashikiran Shetty told the High Court Thursday. A statement from the RCB after the tragedy stated: 'Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our programme, and followed the guidance and advice of the local administration.' – With Kiran Parashar and Sanath Prasad
India Today
3 days ago
- General
- India Today
36 to be exiled from coastal Karnataka district for repeat communal offences?
The Dakshina Kannada police, in coordination with the district administration, have identified 36 individuals for externment from the district limits following their repeated involvement in communal offences and activities that threaten public peace and order, official sources said on in the context of law and specifically within the Indian legal framework, refers to a preventive measure where authorities prohibit a person from entering a specific area or locality for a designated those identified are Arun Kumar Puttila, Bharath Kundelu, and Mahesh Shetty Timarodi. In total, 36 individuals have been named, including 15 Muslims, all of whom are reportedly involved in cases linked to communal violence and other criminal activities in the district. The individuals have been flagged by various police stations across the district based on their criminal history and involvement in communal disturbances, officials said. According to sources, recommendations for externment have been sent from police stations under Bantwal Rural, Bantwal Town, Vitla, Puttur Town and Rural, Uppinangady, Punjalkatte, Belthangady, Sullia, and Bellare externment process, governed under the Karnataka Police Act, is typically initiated against habitual offenders whose presence is deemed prejudicial to law and order.A senior police officer from the district said, 'The individuals shortlisted have a record of repeated communal offences, and the proposal for externment has been forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner for further legal process.'advertisementAmong those identified are persons ranging from their early twenties to mid-fifties. The list includes individuals previously arrested or chargesheeted in cases involving communal violence, unlawful assembly, and breach of peace, he said. Many are considered habitual offenders who have been under constant police watch, he to the officer, the externment, once approved, would bar these individuals from entering the district for a specified period, typically six months to a year. "This measure is preventive in nature, aimed at deterring the recurrence of communal tension, especially in sensitive areas," he move comes against the backdrop of rising concerns over communal polarisation in certain parts of the coastal district, which has witnessed repeated flare-ups over the past few final decision rests with the district magistrate after reviewing police reports, individual case files, and potential objections or representations from the accused parties, officials added. IN THIS STORY#Karnataka
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Police may relocate BJP leader over hate speech
The police in Dakshina Kannada district have initiated legal proceedings to extern BJP leader and Puthila Parivara head Arun Kumar Puthila, citing concerns over law and order in the region. A formal notice has been issued directing him to appear before officials for a hearing on June 6, failing which an ex parte order may be passed. The externment proceedings are being pursued under Section 55 of the Karnataka Police Act, which allows for removal of individuals considered a threat to public order. According to an official, the authorities are considering relocating Puthila to Shahabad police station limits in Kalaburagi district. The notice, issued by the Puttur assistant commissioner, also stated that Puthila may appear in person or through legal representation. The decision has been taken based on his history of giving inflammatory speeches. According to the official, the decision follows recent incidents of communal violence and a review of multiple murder cases over the past decade, where several accused were reportedly found to be affiliated with radical organisations. 'We have identified and are closely monitoring the movements and activities of the leaders of such organisations. Directions have been issued to verify all such groups, and preventive measures will continue,' said Arun Kumar, superintendent of police. Kumar added that the police were acting within their mandate to maintain peace. 'It is the responsibility of the police to take preventive action, and legal steps will be taken against those who oppose these efforts. We will continue to implement such measures until law and order is fully restored.' In connection with ongoing preventive actions, the police also registered an FIR on June 2 against senior RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, who allegedly delivered a provocative speech on May 12 during a condolence meeting for slain Hindutva activist and rowdy-sheeter Suhas Shetty. The event took place at Madwa Palace Convention Hall in Kavalapadur village under Bantwal Rural Police Station limits. Police allege Bhat's remarks were inflammatory and could incite communal tension. A case has been booked under relevant sections of the BNS. The Dakshina Kannada district police, in coordination with the district administration, has identified 36 people for externment from the district limits following their repeated involvement in communal offences and activities that threaten public peace and order. The police crackdown has triggered protests from various groups, including demonstrations outside the Kadaba police station, where activists opposed background verifications being conducted on leaders of several organisations. In response to the developments, BJP state president BY Vijayendra issued a sharp rebuke of the Congress-led government, accusing it of using the police force to target Hindu leaders in a bid to appease the Muslim community for electoral purposes. 'In the coastal region, Hindu leaders and BJP are going out to intimidate Hindu activists to remind people of it again,' Vijayendra said, alleging that the state was showing leniency towards 'anti-social elements' while aggressively pursuing action against leaders of Hindu outfits. He also criticised the government's alleged role in the swift transfer of top police officers in Mangaluru following the murder of a Muslim truck driver. 'A conspiracy is underway to file false cases against the leaders of the Hindu community and throw them in jail,' he said. Terming the externment proceedings and FIRs as 'shameful moves to suppress freedom of expression,' Vijayendra demanded immediate withdrawal of the cases. 'The FIR registered against more than 15 leaders of Hindu organizations, including Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, should be immediately cancelled and the deportation order withdrawn, otherwise the government itself will have to be responsible for the further consequences,' he warned. In response, home minister G Parameshwara said: 'Whether Hindu or Muslim, action will be taken only if someone breaks the law. No one will be spared if they do something wrong.'
Deccan Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Dakshina Kannada cops book RSS leader, look to extern BJP leader
Authorities are also considering to extern BJP leader Arun Kumar Puthila to the jurisdiction of Shahabad police station in Kalaburagi district under Section 55 of the Karnataka Police Act and a similar measure against 36 anti-social elements from Belthangady taluk.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Arun Kumar Puthila summoned over externment notice inquiry
Mangaluru: firebrand Arun Kumar Puthila has been summoned to appear for an inquiry in connection with an externment notice issued against him. The notice, served by assistant commissioner and sub divisional magistrates's office, Puttur subdivision, directed his externment from Dakshina Kannada district to Shahabad police station limits in Kalaburagi. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The inquiry is scheduled for June 6. The 54-year-old leader was called under provisions of the Karnataka Police Act, following a decision to extern him from the district. Puthila was given the option to appear either in person or through legal counsel. The notice clearly states that failure to appear will be interpreted as a lack of interest in contesting the externment. In such a case, the authorities will proceed with a one-sided decision based on the available information. Reacting to the development, Arun Kumar Puthila told TOI that ever since the Congress came to power in Karnataka, there was a concerted attempt to repeatedly target Hindus and appease minority communities. "This externment notice is yet another step in that direction. We are actively involved in our organisation's work, taking part in religious programmes, and are committed to activities aligned with the national ideology. This move is clearly aimed at demoralising our workers. I strongly condemn it," he said. Puthila asserted that such actions will not deter them from continuing their work on Hindutva and religious causes. "I am confident that the people of this region will respond appropriately to the Congress party's action at the right time. Our karyakartas will not buckle under pressure," he added. He further stated that he would consult senior leaders in the organisation before deciding on the next course of action. "We have been associated with the RSS for the past several years. We never engaged in any anti-social activity. Action should instead be taken against those who truly disturb the peace and not on our Karyakartas engaged in religious work," he said.
