In the wake of a tragic stampede that killed 11 people outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB’s IPL 2025 victory celebrations, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has suspended Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda along with several senior officers.
He also ordered the immediate arrest of representatives from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), DNA Entertainment Networks, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), following the filing of an FIR under multiple sections including culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
The FIR, registered by Cubbon Park police, cited serious violations, including unlawful assembly and causing grievous hurt. Those arrested include RCB’s head of marketing Nikhil Sosale and three staffers from DNA Entertainment.
CM Siddaramaiah also announced a judicial probe headed by retired Karnataka High Court judge Justice Michael D’Cunha, with a report expected within 30 days. Further, a Special Investigation Team under the CID has been tasked with probing the incident thoroughly.
Meanwhile, Seemanth Kumar Singh has replaced Dayananda as Bengaluru Police Commissioner. Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, visibly emotional, admitted the government’s failure but condemned the BJP and JD(S) for politicizing the tragedy. The opposition, led by BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, has demanded the resignation of both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
The state government also announced that a new SOP for large public events will soon be implemented to prevent future tragedies. Notices have been issued to RCB, KSCA, and DNA Entertainment to join the ongoing magisterial and judicial inquiries.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and grief, with families of the deceased blaming the authorities for lack of planning and security.
