Latest news with #Narasimharaju
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Is Karnataka govt considering moving Chinnaswamy stadium out of Bengaluru's CBD? Here's what CM Siddaramaiah said
Amid growing concerns and public outrage over the recent stampede that claimed 11 lives near Chinnaswamy Stadium, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday broke his silence on the possibility of relocating the cricket stadium from the heart of Bengaluru's Central Business District (CBD). Speaking to reporters, he said the government would 'seriously consider' the idea and promised that any decision would be taken after thorough consultation with all stakeholders. Also Read - Bengaluru woman allegedly murdered by techie boyfriend in a hotel room: Report 'The government will look into shifting the cricket stadium to another location. Such an unpleasant incident should not happen under any government. Personally, this incident has deeply hurt me and my government,' Siddaramaiah said, reacting to the chaos that unfolded during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL victory celebration on June 4. Located in one of the busiest parts of the city, Chinnaswamy Stadium has long been a traffic nightmare whenever major cricket events are held. The venue can seat around 35,000 spectators, but on June 4, over 3 lakh people reportedly gathered around the stadium for the public event, far exceeding police estimates and capacity. This overwhelming crowd surge is believed to be the primary reason for the tragic stampede that left dozens injured and sparked a political storm. Also Read - CM Siddaramaiah explains suspension of top cops over Bengaluru stampede incident, defends his government Following the incident, the Karnataka government suspended top police officers, including the city's Commissioner, drawing sharp criticism from both opposition parties and within the police department. Head Constable Narasimharaju, in a rare show of defiance, even staged a solo protest, saying that suspending senior officials demoralized the force and ignored systemic lapses in planning and crowd control. The BJP has also slammed the Congress-led government, demanding the resignations of CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, and even announced a month's salary donation by its legislators to support the victims' families.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
"I shouldn't have protested in uniform": Head Constable Narasimharaju, who protested against officers' suspension over Bengaluru stampede
Head Constable Narasimharaju protested the suspension of Bengaluru's Police Commissioner after a stampede. The stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium resulted in 11 deaths. Narasimharaju fears government action for his protest. He admitted protesting in uniform was against protocol. Chief Minister Siddaramiah stated the suspensions were due to inadequate arrangements. He noted BJP and JDS allegations were politically motivated. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Head Constable Narasimharaju, posted at Madiwala police station in Bengaluru, who staged a solo protest against the suspension of the city's Police Commissioner and other officials, is now worried about possible action the government may take against a telephonic interview with ANI, he said, "This was not something we expected after the stampede incident, which took place near Chinnaswamy stadium in which 11 people died and many were injured, which made me emotional, and that is why I staged to protest against the decision made by the Karnataka Government. Whenever this kind of incident happens, there is an option to transfer the officers, but suspending officers, including the police commissioner of Bengaluru, in fact brings the morale of the department and the employees down."Narasimharaju, who holds a Master's degree (MA, and is from Pavagada, lives with his mother and family. He is now worried about the action the police department or government might take against told ANI, "I have only one last option, which is to fight this legally. I am waiting for a call from my DCP madam. Once she calls, I will go and explain my feelings to her. I'm hopeful she will respond positively. I've already received a notice and explained my emotions to my senior officers. Yes, I was emotional, and I admit I shouldn't have protested in uniform, as it goes against protocol. But I got emotional because after working long hours without sleep, seeing someone get suspended affects the morale of others in the department." Siddaramiah on Sunday said that the concerned police officers have been suspended as arrangements were not adequate at Chinnaswamy said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) are making politically motivated allegations in the stampede case that took place during the RCB celebrations at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium."The BJP is making politically motivated allegations. Based on the information that appears to be available regarding the incident, the government has taken action against the police concerned," CM Siddaramaiah said that a judicial inquiry has been ordered as per the demand of the BJP and JDS. Similarly, action has been taken against the police. He said that the government personnel and administration departments had been given conditional permission to organise the the Bengaluru stampede that claimed 11 lives and left many injured, the Karnataka Government on June 5 suspended top police officials, including Bengaluru commissioner B Dayananda and formed a one-man commission under a retired High Court Judge to probe the incident.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Constable protests suspension of Commissioner, marches to Raj Bhavan
Bengaluru: In a rare show of dissent within the police force, a head constable from Madiwala police station, Narasimharaju, staged a protest on Saturday condemning the Karnataka government's suspension of Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayanand and four other senior officers. Narasimharaju marched to Raj Bhavan, carrying a portrait of Dr B.R Ambedkar and wearing a black armband as a symbol of protest. He intended to submit a written complaint to the Governor, demanding that the government revoke the suspension orders issued in the wake of the tragic stampede at the RCB victory celebration that claimed 11 lives. In his letter, Narasimharaju argued that such punitive action against high-ranking officers, especially without a complete investigation, would demoralise the police force. He stated that the suspension undermines the integrity and morale of honest officers and sends a negative message to those serving in the department. However, his solo protest did not go unnoticed. He was taken into custody by the Vidhana Soudha police for violating conduct norms and staging an unsanctioned protest at a high-security location. The suspension of Police Commissioner B Dayanand, Additional Commissioner Vikas Kumar, DCP Shekhar T, ACP Balakrishna, and Inspector Girish came a day after a tragic stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium and Vidhana Soudha, where thousands had gathered to celebrate RCB's IPL success. The resulting chaos led to multiple injuries and fatalities, prompting the government to take immediate disciplinary action. The incident has triggered widespread debate about accountability, event planning, and the handling of large public gatherings. While the government maintains that the suspensions are necessary pending inquiry, protests like Narasimharaju's reflect growing concerns within the police ranks over what some perceive as hasty scapegoating. As investigations continue and the magisterial inquiry ordered by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unfolds, this act of protest by a head constable has brought to light the internal tensions brewing within the force over the fallout from the tragedy.
