Bengaluru: The stampede following the felicitation of the victorious Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) cricket team has left Karnataka in mourning, in what has been a tragic turn of events. The loss of innocent lives is heart-wrenching, and the public outcry for accountability is totally justified. However, in the aftermath of this tragedy, the suspension of the Commissioner of Police (COP) has raised serious concerns about fairness, due process, and the potential scapegoating of a senior officer for systemic failures.
The unfortunate incident unfolded as a seamless series of events: an official felicitation at Vidhana Soudha, attended by the Chief Minister’s family, ministers, and other dignitaries, followed by a victory lap around the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The public, cricket-crazy and eager to celebrate RCB’s IPL win following an 18-year wait, gathered in unprecedented numbers, leading to chaos and the tragic stampede. While the government’s intent to honour RCB’s victory was understandable, the lack of foresight and coordination in managing the event is glaring.
It is important to note that the COP did not grant permission for the route march or victory lap. Under the law, the absence of explicit permission itself means no permission was granted. Yet, the government proceeded with the event, creating an environment where public safety was severely compromised. The COP’s suspension, therefore, appears to be a hasty attempt to deflect public anger rather than a measured response in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The suspension of a senior IPS officer with a distinguished track record is punitive and arbitrary. It sends a demoralizing message to the entire police force and undermines the principles of justice and accountability. Suspension is typically a measure taken in contemplation of a departmental inquiry, but in this case, it seems to prejudge the outcome of ongoing investigations. A judicial inquiry, a magisterial inquiry, and a PIL are already underway to determine accountability. Suspending the COP before these processes could be concluded as wholly premature and grossly unfair.
Further, the suspension order overlooks the broader context of the incident. The government’s decision to organize a grand felicitation, involving family members of senior officials, created a public perception of official endorsement. The public saw the event as a government-sanctioned celebration, obviously leading to the massive turnout. The tragedy, therefore, stems from a collective failure of judgment by the government and its senior functionaries, as also by the RCB franchise organisers.
Rather than seeking a sacrificial goat, the focus should be on systemic reforms to prevent such incidents in the future. The government must ensure that public events are meticulously planned, with adequate safety measures in place. Senior officials must exercise greater caution and responsibility in their decisions, especially when public gatherings are involved. Accountability should be fixed based on a thorough and impartial investigation, not on political expediency.
The suspension of the COP is a knee-jerk reaction that risks undermining the integrity of the administrative process. It is imperative that the government allows the ongoing inquiries to take their course and ensures that accountability is determined fairly and transparently. The tragic loss of lives demands sincere introspection and meaningful action, not the scapegoating of a police officer. Only then can justice be served, and public trust restored.
* Dr Vishal Rao is a surgical oncologist and robotic surgeon.