Govt. Reinstates Four of Five Police Officers Suspended After Stampede

Quick Summary

• The State government has revoked the suspension of four out of five police officials,including former Bengaluru City Police Commissioner ADGP B. Dayananda, suspended over the June 4 stampede at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
• The incident resulted in the death of 11 peopel and led too widespread criticism of police handling during an unauthorized, hastily organized event without adequate security arrangements.
• The decision follows the findings from Justice John Michael D’Cunha Commission report that recommended “appropriate legal action” against these officers but highlighted lapses by law enforcement.
• Officers whose suspensions were revoked include Shekar H.T., C. Balakrishna, A.K. Girish, and B. dayananda; Vikash Kumar Vikash’s suspension remains under judicial review as his relief from CAT is being challenged in High Court by the government.
• Initially defended and justified by CM Siddaramaiah on June 5, cabinet discussions later opted for a Departmental Enquiry (DE) instead of filing FIRs against them.
• According to Monday’s revocation order issued by DPAR, completion of both judicial commission and magisterial committee reports alongside representations from suspended officers encouraged this move.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The revocation marks an captivating pivot in accountability management by the State government following a tragic public safety lapse that resulted in loss of lives during an unauthorized event at a major venue like M. Chinnaswamy Stadium-a site likely expecting robust security protocols given its stature.

While opting for Departmental Enquiries signals reliance on administrative resolution rather than criminal proceedings (suggested early), it leaves room for discussing whether perceived leniency diminishes urgency toward systemic reform post high-stakes public issues enforcing venues upon citizens badly managed events ‘ancient-publicly.’

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