Bengaluru: Following the tragic stampede at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium that left 11 people dead and over 60 injured, the Karnataka government has appointed Seemanth Kumar Singh as the new Commissioner of Bengaluru City Police, replacing B Dayananda, who was suspended along with four other senior officers for alleged lapses in crowd control and dereliction of duty.
The decision was announced late Thursday night in the wake of mounting public and political pressure on the state administration.
“Will Take Necessary Steps Immediately”: Singh’s First Remarks
In a brief statement to reporters upon assuming charge, Seemanth Kumar Singh, a senior IPS officer with a reputation for operational efficiency, said, “I will continue the good work of my predecessors. I will immediately discuss with my officers and take necessary steps regarding the stampede case.”
His appointment signals the government’s attempt to regain control of the narrative and restore public trust following widespread criticism over the handling of the RCB victory celebrations.
Stampede Tragedy: Officers Suspended After Fatal Oversight
The incident occurred during the felicitation ceremony of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who had just won their first IPL title after 18 years. Tens of thousands of enthusiastic fans gathered at the stadium without tickets or passes, resulting in overcrowding, chaos, and a deadly crush at the entry points.
Those suspended with immediate effect include-
- B Dayananda – Police Commissioner
- Vikash Kumar Vikash – Additional Commissioner of Police
- Shekhar H.T. – DCP (Central)
- Balakrishna – ACP
- Girish A.K. – Inspector, Cubbon Park Police Station
The state government cited “substantial dereliction of duty”, stating that despite prior intimation from RCB on June 3, the police neither formally denied permission nor prepared adequately for crowd control.
CM Siddaramaiah: CID to Investigate, RCB & KSCA Under Scanner
Facing backlash from the BJP and civil society, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that–
- A Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe has been initiated.
- Action will follow against RCB, Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and the event agency DNA Entertainment.
- A judicial inquiry led by Justice Michael Cunha, a retired High Court judge, is also underway.
“This could have been avoided. We had advised RCB to delay the event, but the preparations were not sufficient, and communication lacked clarity,” said Siddaramaiah.
Timeline Discrepancy: RCB’s June 4 Post vs. Government’s ‘Last-Minute’ Claim
Initial investigation contradicts the government’s claim that the event was a last-minute plan.
RCB’s official X (formerly Twitter) account had posted on June 4, inviting fans to a victory parade starting at Vidhana Soudha at 5 PM, followed by a felicitation event at the stadium. The post included a link for free passes, calling for “limited entry.”
Estimates suggest over 8 lakh fans turned up – overwhelming the thinly spread police force, especially as many officers were stationed at Vidhana Soudha to secure VIP movement.
High Court Steps In
The Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident and has directed the state government to–
- Submit a status report detailing the cause and preventability of the tragedy.
- Outline future preparedness plans to prevent such incidents.
What’s Next?
A case has been filed against RCB, KSCA, and DNA Entertainment.
The CID probe is expected to examine communication gaps and procedural lapses.
Administrative reshuffles are likely, with more accountability expected from both civil and law enforcement agencies.
