Bengaluru: The Karnataka government may have taken stern action after the deadly stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, but many are still questioning the role of the Congress leadership in the hurriedly-organised IPL victory celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Having lifted the trophy around midnight on June 3 after beating Punjab Kings in the final at Ahmedabad, RCB returned to Bengaluru to a rapturous welcome the next afternoon. Tens of thousands lined up the streets to greet Virat Kohli and the other players, who were first felicitated at the Vidhana Soudha complex and then taken to Chinnaswamy Stadium.
As the uncontrollable crowd desperately tried to get inside the stadium, which has a capacity of 35,000, a stampede ensued near one of the gates, leaving 11 young people dead and dozens injured.
Even as the Opposition BJP intensified its attack on the Congress leadership in Karnataka over the deadly stampede, a formal complaint was submitted to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Saturday against chief minister Siddaramaiah over alleged negligence.
The Complainant Girish Kumar, a resident of Kottigepalya in Bengaluru, alleged that the CM had personally invited the public to participate in the celebrations of RCB’s maiden IPL triumph after a wait of 28 years.
Questioning the state government’s decision to host a grand reception for a private cricket franchise like RCB, the complainant claimed that IPL is a commercial venture driven by profit motives rather than national pride.
“Players are bought by franchises and play for money, not for the country or the state,” the letter stated, pointing out that such celebrations were not extended to national heroes such as soldiers or Olympic athletes.
The complainant also criticised deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar for receiving the RCB team at the airport, calling it excessive and unwarranted. Alleging that the state government had failed in its duty to protect citizens, the complainant demanded that those responsible for the mismanagement be held accountable.
Also Read: Bengaluru Stampede: Police Had Issued Prior Warnings About The Risks, Claims Report
The police commissioner and other senior officers, including the intelligence head, have been removed, while officials of RCB and event management firm DNA Entertainment have been arrested.
A one-man inquiry commission, constituted by the state government under retired high court judge John Michael Cunha, has been tasked with identifying those responsible for the omissions or deficiencies that led to the tragedy.
‘Blood on their hands’
The political slugfest continued, with senior BJP leader and Union minister of state Shobha Karandlaje alleging that CM Siddaramiah and his deputy Shivakumar have “blood on their hands”.
Holding them directly responsible for the stampede, BJP demanded their resignation.
“The parents who have lost their children are cursing. They (CM and DCM) are trying to wash the blood on their hands and wipe it on police officers,” Karandlaje alleged.
The Opposition has also asked for a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the next of kin of the victims.
Siddaramaiah, who had initially announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for every family, on Saturday said that the amount has been increased to Rs 25 lakh.