Mysore: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the state government is seriously evaluating relocating the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium following a tragic stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations, which left 11 people dead on June 4. Expressing deep personal sorrow, the chief minister revealed that authorities are exploring long-term safety measures, including the possibility of moving the stadium to a less congested site outside Bengaluru. He affirmed that five police officers have been suspended over security lapses, and the state intelligence chief and his political secretary have been replaced as part of the government’s response.
Siddaramaiah defended the administration, stating that while the incident was tragic, no administrative misstep occurred. He emphasized that legal action is underway against those found responsible and rejected allegations of government negligence. In response to calls for resignations by the BJP and JD(S), Siddaramaiah challenged their double standards—asking whether similar accountability was demanded when fatalities occurred at the Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh.
The chief minister also clarified that the RCB celebration at Vidhana Soudha was organized by the Karnataka State Cricket Association, not the government, and that his attendance was by invitation. He revealed that he was informed of the tragedy only around 5:45 PM—nearly two hours after the first casualties were reported at 3:50 PM—highlighting a communication breakdown within the police force.
As part of the state’s broader response, Siddaramaiah affirmed that a judicial inquiry has been ordered, alongside disciplinary action. He restated that the government remains committed to public safety and is actively pursuing venue relocation to prevent such incidents in the future.
