Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has closed departmental enquiry proceedings against three Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, including former Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda, exonerating them of disciplinary charges related to the June 4, 2025, Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede that claimed 11 lives during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations.
Separate government orders issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) on July 14, 2026, stated that the competent authority decided to drop the disciplinary proceedings after examining the officers’ defence statements and the opinion of the administrative department.
The officers cleared in the departmental proceedings are:
- B. Dayananda (IPS) – Former Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City
- Shekhar H. Tekkannavar (IPS) – Former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Division, Bengaluru City
- Vikash Kumar Vikash (IPS) – Former Inspector General of Police and Additional Commissioner of Police (West), Bengaluru City
Stampede During IPL Victory Celebrations
The disciplinary proceedings arose from the tragic stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025, during celebrations marking Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL title victory.
The incident claimed the lives of 11 people and left several others injured, prompting both administrative and departmental action against senior police officers responsible for law and order arrangements.
B. Dayananda Exonerated
At the time of the incident, B. Dayananda was serving as Additional Director General of Police and Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City.
He was placed under suspension on June 5, 2025, under Rule 3(1)(a) of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, pending disciplinary proceedings.
His suspension was revoked on July 28, 2025, under Rule 3(7)(c) of the same rules, following which a departmental enquiry was initiated under Rule 8(4). A show-cause notice along with the Articles of Charge was issued on July 31, 2025.
Dayananda submitted his written statement of defence on September 8, 2025, denying all allegations and seeking exoneration.
After considering his explanation and the opinion of the administrative department, the Karnataka government decided to close the enquiry proceedings and exonerate him of all charges.
Shekhar H. Tekkannavar Also Cleared
Shekhar H. Tekkannavar, who was serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Division, was also suspended on June 5, 2025, in connection with the stampede.
Following the revocation of his suspension on July 28, 2025, disciplinary proceedings were initiated under Rule 8(4) of the AIS (Discipline and Appeal) Rules.
Tekkannavar denied the charges in his defence statement submitted on September 8, 2025.
After reviewing the case, the government dropped the enquiry and exonerated him. However, the order also issued a formal warning, advising him to discharge his duties with greater responsibility in the future and to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Vikash Kumar Vikash Exonerated
Vikash Kumar Vikash, who was serving as Inspector General of Police and Additional Commissioner of Police (West), Bengaluru City, was also suspended on June 5, 2025, under the AIS (Discipline and Appeal) Rules.
His suspension was revoked on July 31, 2025, following which disciplinary proceedings were initiated.
Like the other officers, he submitted his defence statement on September 8, 2025, denying the allegations and requesting exoneration.
The government, after examining his response and the recommendations of the administrative department, decided to close the departmental proceedings and exonerated him of all charges.
Government Closes Departmental Proceedings
According to the government orders, the competent authority concluded that the departmental enquiries should be dropped after evaluating the officers’ written explanations and the opinion submitted by the concerned administrative department.
With the latest orders, all three officers stand exonerated in the departmental proceedings initiated in the aftermath of the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede.
It is pertinent to note that the government orders relate specifically to departmental disciplinary proceedings under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, and do not address any other legal proceedings that may be pending in connection with the incident.
