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Indian Express
4 days ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
Bengaluru stampede: Why police chief B Dayananda, 4 others were suspended over RCB fan deaths
The failure of the top brass of the Bengaluru police to clearly communicate the denial of permission for a Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory parade in the city on June 4 has been cited as the reason for the Karnataka government to suspend five police officers. The RCB victory parade after the team's IPL win was advertised on social media as an open event without paid tickets at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and saw over 2 lakh fans turning out for the event, resulting in 11 deaths in a stampede as the surging crowd tried to rush into a stadium with a maximum capacity of 35,000. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday night announced the suspension of three IPS officers – Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda, Additional Commissioner of Police (West) Vikash Kumar Vikash, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Shekar H Tekkannavar – as well as Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cubbon Park), C Balakrishna, and Cubbon Park Police Inspector A K Girish over the stadium tragedy. Though the CEO of RCB informed Dayananda on June 3 about holding the victory parade and celebrations on June 4, 'the office of Police Commissioner failed to give written reply to the organizers, rejecting the permission on the grounds of lack of time to prepare for such a huge event', the government's June 5 suspension order says. 'The RCB and the Cricket Association (Karnataka State Cricket Association) went ahead to tweet about the celebrations and inviting the fans to Chinnaswamy stadium without going through the usual practice of issue of tickets or passes,' the order adds. 'Despite the knowledge of these developments and expectation of huge turnout of cricket fans by the police, steps were not taken to either have the event organized systematically at the stadium or give adequate information to the public on necessary precautions for their safety or provide additional police force for appropriate crowd management,' it further says. 'Further, the above situation was not discussed with the higher-ups for taking necessary guidance and advice in the matter. As a result, the situation went out of control and brought a lot of misery, loss of precious life and embarrassment to the government,' the order states. The conduct of the IPS officers was 'in gross violation of AIS (Conduct) Rules, and that of the ACP and PI is in gross violation of Karnataka State Police (Disciplinary Proceedings) Rules, 1965', says the suspension order. Denial of permission was communicated, say police sources According to police sources, though the decision to reject the permission for the victory parade was communicated to the KSCA and RCB, a parallel decision by the Karnataka government to hold its own felicitation of the RCB players at the Vidhana Soudha—despite police reservations—resulted in the assumption of a deemed permission for both events. The decision of the Karnataka government to hold a parallel felicitation resulted in the drowning out of police communications of the cancellation of the victory parade and the holding of a public event at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, police sources said. In the end, the police resources were stretched thin by the two parallel events, resulting in a lack of crowd control and emergency measures at the cricket stadium. The Bengaluru police, who registered an FIR on Thursday for culpable homicide, causing voluntary hurt and unlawful assembly against the RCB, the KSCA, and event managers DNA Network, arrested an RCB marketing head and a senior DNA official on Friday. Police had sought time for security, traffic diversions: FIR in stampede case The police arrested Nikhil Sosale, the marketing head of the RCB management, and Sunil Mathew of the event management company DNA at the Kempegowda International Airport on Friday morning. According to the police FIR in the stampede case, Shubendhu Ghosh, Chief Executive Officer of KSCA, had approached the Cubbon Park police on June 3 requesting permission to allow celebrations (if RCB wins the IPL ) in the Chinnaswamy cricket stadium and for security. According to the FIR, the police told the KSCA official that if RCB won, lakhs of fans would gather, and the police who were deployed for night security duty would not be in a position to provide security. The KSCA administration was informed that the police would require time to arrange security and traffic diversions, says the FIR. Though the police denied permission, the RCB, KSCA and DNA went ahead with announcing the celebrations on June 4, resulting in the stampede and deaths, says the FIR. The Opposition BJP and JD(S) in Karnataka have accused the Congress government of making police officers the scapegoats for the stampede tragedy while overlooking the role of top ministers and officials in the government in facilitating the two parallel events to honour the privately owned RCB team for winning the IPL. 'Why did people get confused by the repeated statements that there was an RCB team procession in an open vehicle from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Stadium? Why was there no clarification about this until the evening? Who was pressuring the police not to take a clear decision?' R Ashoka, the BJP Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, said.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Karnataka Police Bandmaster's journey of persistence
Anthony Sober Karnataka Police Karnataka State Police Karnataka Police Brass Band This medal is not just for me, it's for every early morning rehearsal, every late-night duty, every note played in the name of service – Anthony Sober, Bandmaster of the Karnataka State Police Band Chief Minister's Medal In the uniformed world of the, where duty often overshadows individual stories, the life of Anthony Sober A is one such story that stands out, a journey not just of discipline and service, but of passion, transformation, and on June 1, 1967, Anthony Sober joined the City Armed Reserve Police Headquarters in Bengaluru on September 6, 1991, through the sports quota. A talented footballer, he quickly became a star player for the Karnataka State Police Football Team, representing the force from 1992 to 1995 in South Zone and All India tournaments. His performances brought home trophies, certificates, and pride for the department. But it was in 1998 that his journey took a turn, one that would shape the rest of his a deep curiosity for music, Sober joined theas a bugler. What began as a side interest soon became a calling. In just a short span, he mastered the bugle and then moved on to the trumpet, becoming known for his sharp technique and heartfelt performances. 'Music gave me a different kind of discipline,' he Republic Day and Independence Day parades to the grand celebrations of Mysuru Dasara, Sober's trumpet has echoed across ceremonial grounds, touching hearts with soulful renditions like 'Abide With Me'. His dedication to detail made him the preferred choice for high-profile events, including those at the Raj Bhavan, where he performed for top dignitaries, including former Governor Hansraj Bhardwaj, who personally appreciated his addition to his musical duties, Sober served in critical assignments, from VIP escorts to prisoner and cash duties, often during high-alert deployments. His sincerity, sharp turnout, and composed presence made him a dependable face in every at 59, Anthony Sober serves as the Bandmaster of the Karnataka State Police Band, a role that reflects his years of quiet commitment and musical mastery. Still playing the bugle and trumpet with the same passion that began over two decades ago, he also mentors young band members, keeping tradition April 2, 2025, his extraordinary journey was formally recognised with the, awarded for his exceptional contribution to the force. 'This medal is not just for me, it's for every early morning rehearsal, every late-night duty, every note played in the name of service,' he life today is a harmony of sportsmanship, discipline, and soulful music, a reminder that behind every shining medal lies a rhythm of struggle, growth, and heart.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Karnataka DGP's message: No bouquets, let's get down to business
Bengaluru: At Karnataka State Police headquarters on Nrupathunga Road, a familiar scene was expected to unfold on Thursday: Officers in starched uniforms waiting with bouquets, handshakes, salutes, and smiles to welcome the newly appointed state police chief. But MA Saleem, the new director general and inspector general of police (DG-IGP), had other plans. Saleem, known for hands-on leadership style, abruptly hit pause on the age-old police tradition of the ceremonial call-on. Junior police officers, some of whom had prepared to travel hundreds of kilometres to Bengaluru, were told to stay put. "There's work to be done," was Saleem's message. "Let's begin straightaway without wasting time." Instead of the in-person visits and customary formalities, Saleem hosted a virtual 'introductory session', in which he addressed colleagues via videoconference. No garlands, no hand-delivered best wishes — just a clear signal it was time to get down to business. For decades, the 'call-on' has been a staple in bureaucratic circles — an unwritten rule that junior officers must personally congratulate their new boss. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Missing it has, in the past, led to raised eyebrows or worse. Some officers even boasted about how many bouquets they received during their takeover. But Saleem wasn't swayed by tradition. "Since I already know most of the officers, there's no point in wasting time with formal visits," he said, according to one senior IPS officer present during the video conference. "It's better we use that time for our duties." The decision, though unconventional, wasn't entirely out of character for Saleem. As special commissioner of police (traffic) in Bengaluru city, he was known to set the bar high. His official car would leave his home by 7am, sometimes earlier. By 8am, inspectors would already be out on the roads. "Even during floods, we saw him with his trousers rolled up, clearing clogged roads like any other constable," recalled a traffic cop. "He leads by example."
New Indian Express
07-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Bengaluru to host Civil Defence mock drill under 'Operation Abhyaas' on Wednesday
BENGALURU: As part of 'Operation Abhyaas', a nationwide mock drill announced by the Union Government in 244 districts identified as vulnerable areas across the country, the Civil Defence exercise will be conducted in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Mock drills are also planned in Karwar and Raichur and the dates for the same are yet to be finalised. According to an official press release issued by the Karnataka State Police on Tuesday, the 244 districts have been categorised into Category I, II, and III based on the vulnerability assessment. In Karnataka, Mallapura (Karwar), Shaktinagara (Raichur), and Bengaluru have been included in Category II Civil Defence Towns by the Ministry of Defence. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directives, the first Civil Defence exercise under 'Operation Abhyaas' will be conducted at around 4 pm on Wednesday on the premises Civil Defence Head Quarters on Annaswamy Mudaliar Road, Ulsoor. A senior Civil Defence officer said that the mock drill will include simulation of an incoming air raid, activation of sirens, prescribed response actions, and blackout measures. It will also involve rescue and search techniques during a building fire, casualty evacuation, setting up of temporary hospitals, and evacuation of civilians from endangered areas to bunkers and demilitarised zones. He said that during the mock drill, sirens will be activated in three phases, each producing a distinct alarm tone. 'These sirens can be heard up to a distance of approximately 3 km,' he said. Mock drills will vary across districts based on their assigned category. Speaking to reporters, Prashant Kumar Thakur, Director General of Police and Commandant General of Home Guards, Civil Defence, Fire and Emergency Services, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), said sirens have been installed at 35 locations in Bengaluru, including police and fire stations. Of these, 32 sirens are currently functional, he said. He added that the Union Government will issue advisories and guidelines outlining the dos and dont's for the general public. He also mentioned that the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Civil Defence personnel, and medical professionals will participate in the mock drills.
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
HJV demands NIA probe in Suhas Shetty murder
Stating that Karnataka State Police are not incompetent to probe the Suhas Shetty murder, the Hindu Jagarana Vedike said the political leadership does not allow the force to go to the root of the issue and eliminate internal terrorism. Therefore, the HJV, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and other like-minded organisations want a thorough probe by the National Investigation Agency to bring out the role of banned Popular Front of India (PFI) in the Suhas Shetty murder. By looking at the modus operandi of the assailants, there is no doubt that it was funded and executed by the PFI, HJV State unit president K. T. Ullas told reporters in Mangaluru on May 5. Alleging that two of the PFI activists accused in the 2015 murder of Prashanth Poojary at Moodbidri were present at the scene of crime in Bajpe, Mr. Ullas said the way the assailants left the place without any hurry, and escorted by two women, indicated that they had support from the local people. Two Hindus from Kalasa were involved in the murder just to negate the communal angle, he said adding inquiry by HJV in Kalasa revealed that the two did not have any rivalry against Suhas Shetty. 'Of late, PFI was learnt to have adopted a strategy to involve a few Hindus on payment while executing its terror agenda to divert attention of the people from its real mission,' Mr. Ullas alleged. 'Suhas Shetty's murder was not just a revenge killing, as claimed by the police, he claimed. 'There is a larger conspiracy behind the murder, to cause communal unrest in the region. Prime accused Abdul Safwan was a tenant of a PFI activist,' he added.
