‘Govt Not Concerned, But Acted Rapidly’: CM Siddaramaiah Says BJP Enjoying Politics Over Stampede
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Siddaramaiah distances authorities from tragedy, says DPAR gave solely conditional nod for Vidhana Soudha occasion.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah denies official hyperlink to stadium stampede, says motion taken regardless of delay in receiving info. (IMAGE: NEWS18)
The Siddaramaiah authorities has taken a defensive however agency stance on the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede, stating that no untoward incident occurred throughout the Vidhana Soudha premises and accusing the opposition of exploiting the tragedy for political acquire.
“Our authorities has taken the stampede case critically,” mentioned the Karnataka Chief Minister, dismissing opposition calls for for accountability and accusing the BJP and JD(S) of politicising the incident.
Siddaramaiah maintained that the stampede throughout the RCB victory celebrations was not formally linked to the federal government.
“I keep this now as properly – this incident shouldn’t have occurred. However the place did it occur? Close to the cricket stadium. I’ve no position in what occurred on the cricket stadium,” he mentioned, distancing himself from the tragedy.
Relating to his presence on the felicitation occasion, Siddaramaiah defined that the Secretary and Treasurer of KSCA had invited him to Vidhana Soudha.
“It was not organised by the federal government. I used to be merely an invitee. The Governor was additionally invited. I used to be not invited to the programme on the stadium,” he mentioned.
When questioned in regards to the warning letter despatched to DPAR Secretary G Sathyavathi by DCP (Vidhana Soudha Safety) M N Karibasavana Gowda, Siddaramaiah said that the occasion at Vidhana Soudha had acquired conditional permission from the Division of Personnel and Administrative Reforms and that crowd administration was the police’s duty.
In his letter despatched on the morning of 4 June, the DCP had warned that “lakhs of cricket followers are prone to come to Vidhana Soudha” and highlighted a scarcity of safety personnel to handle the anticipated crowd.
Siddaramaiah reiterated that no incident occurred contained in the Vidhana Soudha and mentioned the federal government acted swiftly upon being knowledgeable of the state of affairs.
“The stampede didn’t occur at a authorities occasion. But we acted instantly. The BJP and JD(S) are levelling politically motivated allegations,” he mentioned.
Following the incident, six senior law enforcement officials – together with 4 IPS officers – have been suspended. The state’s Intelligence Chief has been eliminated, and the Chief Minister’s Political Secretary, Govindaraju, who sources recommend had advocated for the occasion at Vidhana Soudha, has been dismissed. A judicial inquiry led by Justice Michael D Cunha has been ordered, and a separate Particular Investigation Staff throughout the CID is investigating the incident. 4 officers of RCB and occasion administration agency DNA have been arrested and remanded in judicial custody.
In keeping with the Chief Minister, the federal government realized of the incident nearly two hours after the injured have been taken to hospital.
“The victims have been admitted at 3.50 pm. I acquired the message solely at 5.45 pm. The police failed to speak particulars about preparations. It’s clear there was a severe lapse on their half,” he mentioned. Authorities sources added that this delay, coupled with the failure to challenge a written denial of permission for the stadium celebration, have been key causes for the suspensions.
The Chief Minister additionally addressed considerations in regards to the stadium’s suitability. He mentioned the federal government would take into account whether or not the Chinnaswamy Stadium ought to be relocated or upgraded.
“This incident has harm the federal government. Such tragedies shouldn’t occur below any regime,” he mentioned.
He countered BJP criticism, accusing the occasion of double requirements.
“They’re now demanding resignations. However when 50-60 individuals died within the Kumbh Mela stampede, did the Prime Minister resign? When a bridge collapsed in Uttar Pradesh on the day it was inaugurated by him, did they demand resignations?” he requested.
Siddaramaiah additionally accused the BJP of hypocrisy.
“They first wrote to us saying RCB had fulfilled a long-cherished dream and criticised us for not permitting an open-top parade. Now they’re focusing on us over the identical occasion. This can be a duplicitous stance,” he mentioned.
He insisted that the federal government had nothing to be ashamed of.
“We took authorized motion the place mandatory. There is no such thing as a query of embarrassment. The federal government acted critically and responsibly,” he mentioned.
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers worldwide affairs, the place he focuses on breaking information to in-depth analyses. He has over 5 years of expertise throughout which he has coated sev…Learn Extra
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers worldwide affairs, the place he focuses on breaking information to in-depth analyses. He has over 5 years of expertise throughout which he has coated sev… Learn Extra
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