Bengaluru: Suspended Additional Commissioner of Police Vikash Kumar Vikash, an IPS officer of 2004 batch, has approached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) challenging the legality of his suspension, issued in connection with the tragic stampede incident at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium that left several dead and injured.
The petition, filed on Sunday, lists the Chief Secretary of Karnataka as the respondent and questions whether the state government followed due procedure before issuing the suspension order.
Mr Vikash is among five senior police officials, including the Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru, who were suspended in the aftermath of the stampede. Several other officials have been transferred. The state’s decision has triggered a wave of concern within the police ranks.
Senior Officers Term Suspension ‘Premature and Without Probe Completion’
Sources within the police department reveal that many senior officers consider the suspension a rushed decision, made without the completion of a formal inquiry. They argue that such steps can undermine morale and institutional integrity, especially when responsibility for the incident has not been fully established.
CID Tightens Probe; Eyes Custody of Accused via Body Warrant
As the legal and administrative battle unfolds, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is probing the stampede, is preparing to seek body warrants to take the accused into custody for questioning. The suspects, arrested earlier, are currently lodged at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison.
A team of CID officials conducted a spot inspection at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday as part of their ongoing investigation.
Judicial Inquiry Also Progressing
Parallel to the CID probe, a judicial inquiry led by the Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban is also underway. Victims injured in the stampede have been summoned to appear before the commission to record their statements.
The high-profile case continues to stir political and institutional debate, with calls for accountability balanced against demands for fairness and procedural integrity.
