MP Bommai seeks a judicial probe by a serving judge into the stampede tragedy

This Government must be ashamed; any dignity left, responsible must resign

Bengaluru Express
Bengaluru, June 5:

Former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai has demanded that a sitting judge conduct an investigation into the tragic stampede during the RCB victory celebration, which resulted in the death of 11 innocent people.

He said if the government had any sense of shame, dignity, or morality, those responsible should resign immediately.

Speaking to the media after visiting and inquiring about the health of those injured and hospitalized in the stampede, Bommai expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “The death of eleven people and injuries to many others in the stampede is extremely distressing. This incident has outraged the citizens of Karnataka. If a government cannot manage a cricket celebration properly, how can it govern the entire state?” he questioned.

Bommai slammed the Chief Minister’s justification that a large crowd had gathered and said he failed to plan properly. Police officers, government ministers, and the KSCA did not hold any meetings. The Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) claimed the event was to be held in front of Vidhana Soudha. There was no proper plan. Initially, they said it would be a roadshow, then denied it. First, they said tickets were needed, later said no tickets were required. Overall, the government’s irresponsibility is directly responsible for this tragedy. The blood of the innocent victims stains this government’s hands. They are cursed by the people.

Bommai said the injured were taken to hospitals by the public, while senior police officers stood by inactive. This government has been completely inactive. There must be a thorough investigation. These deaths should not be in vain. This incident has brought shame to Karnataka. During the World Cup victory celebration in Mumbai, a 25-kilometer-long procession was held without any untoward incident. They must learn from past events.

The MP recalled how the government had handled the death of actor Puneeth Rajkumar during his tenure. “During Puneeth Rajkumar’s death, we had learned lessons from the past and organized public viewing in an orderly manner for two days, followed by a respectful funeral at 4 a.m.,” he said.

Bommai criticized the absence of the Home Minister from the event. “Deputy Chief Ministers go to the airport, come to the Vidhana Soudha, and organize events themselves. The program in front of the Vidhana Soudha was filled with ministers and their followers. The public couldn’t even see the players. I’ve never seen such an irresponsible event. If the government has any shame, dignity, or morality, the concerned people should resign.

The former CM said some of the injured claimed they were beaten again by the police even after being hurt. This government has completely failed. Every senior officer or politician involved in organizing this event should face consequences. A sitting judge must investigate this matter. Even the Chief Minister’s statement on the incident is disappointing.

MPs P.C. Mohan and Dr. Sudhakar were also present during this visit.