Following the tragic stampede at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, which resulted in the death of 11 people, Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, on Thursday, directly held Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar accountable for the mishap.
“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar are directly responsible for the tragic stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium and its surroundings,” he said.
R Ashoka called for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to be constituted under the supervision of a High Court judge. Speaking at a press conference, he firmly rejected the idea of a District Collector-led inquiry.
“We will not accept an investigation by the District Collector. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is being filed before the High Court Chief Justice. The investigation must be conducted under the supervision of a High Court judge, and an SIT should be formed for this purpose. The report must be submitted directly to the High Court. Justice must be delivered for all these deaths, and those responsible must be punished,” he stated.
Ashoka accused CM Siddaramaiah of shirking responsibility by claiming that the event was organised by the Cricket Association and of attempting to cover up lapses.
“How can District Collectors, who work under the CM and report to him, conduct an impartial investigation? They were responsible for planning the event, finalising its framework, and making preparations. It’s impossible to believe they would honestly investigate the government’s lapses and errors. Deceiving the public and causing deaths is bad enough, but why are they now resorting to self-deception and adding to their sins? Only a judicial probe can deliver justice to innocent lives and their parents. The Congress government must not stoop to such pettiness even in the face of death,” R Ashoka asserted.
He also took a sharp dig at the ruling government’s insensitivity in the aftermath of the tragedy.
“Those who celebrated by lifting the cup and posing for photos didn’t show up to carry the bodies of the innocent victims. Those who took selfies at the airport didn’t visit the homes of the deceased to shed tears. Those who honoured cricketers with turbans and garlands didn’t come to put soil on the graves of the dead. In this heartless government, the lives of ordinary people have no value,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the stampede and issued a notice to the state government. The matter has been listed for hearing again on June 10.
“We have expressed ourselves to the Advocate General and he has filed a status report, which is taken on record. Registry is directed to register this suo-motu cognisance as a suo-moto WP. Relist on 10th June, Tuesday,” the Court said.