Bengaluru Stampede: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Sacks Political Secretary, Transfers Intel Head

More heads roll in Karnataka government over the recent stampede during the RCB celebrations as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has now suspended his political secretary K Govindaraj and transferred the head of the intelligence department, Hemant Nimbalkar, NDTV reported, citing sources.

As per the report, Govindaraj allegedly pressured police to allow the celebrations despite security concerns. During a crucial meeting at the CM's residence on Wednesday morning, the Bengaluru Police Commissioner had reportedly opposed permitting three events, citing safety risks.

However, he reportedly pushed for two events- one at Vidhana Soudha (state legislature) and another at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium- leading to the chaotic scenes that followed.

The stampede broke out on Wednesday afternoon when lakhs of fans rushed to catch a glimpse of RCB players after their long-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) victory. A rumor of free entry into the stadium triggered a deadly crush, killing 11 people, including a 14-year-old girl, and injuring 47 others.

The government has arrested the marketing head of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Opposition Slams Siddaramaiah

The tragedy has sparked a political firestorm, with the BJP accusing the Congress-led government of making the police a "scapegoat" while shielding its own leaders.

CM Siddaramaiah hit back, stating, "They (BJP) are doing politics. I don't. We have taken action against those visibly responsible and negligent."

However, Karnataka BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra demanded a probe into the roles of CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, and Home Minister G. Parameshwara, calling them the "real accused" in the case.

"The state government acted only under pressure. Why weren't RCB and the Karnataka Cricket Association held accountable earlier?" Vijayendra questioned.

The government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the stampede, with officials vowing strict action against any further lapses.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court on Friday granted protection from arrest to the officials of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).

The state governing body of Cricket had approached the court, seeking quashing of the case registered against KSCA management and its top officials in connection with the stampede in Bengaluru.