Chinnaswamy stampede: Suspended IPS officer Dayananda appears before Bengaluru DC for inquiry

NT Correspondent
Bengaluru

Suspended IPS officer B Dayananda appeared before the Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner in connection with the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede case. Dayananda’s appearance followed two formal notices summoning him for questioning. During the session that lasted over an hour, Deputy Commissioner Jagadeesh recorded Dayananda’s statement and questioned him regarding security lapses and dereliction of duty.

The DC also sought clarification about a letter issued by the DCP, Vidhana Soudha, Kari Basavanna Gowda. Dayananda was reportedly asked whether he had issued any directions to RCB (Royal Challengers Bangalore) or DNA Entertainment, the event organizers. Questions were also raised about whether Cubbon Park Inspector had informed him about the expected crowd and if any pre-emptive se- curity arrangements were made.

Further queries included: Was there a prior estimate of a large fan turnout?

? If so, why was proper bandobast (security deployment) not ensured?

?Did he issue any notice to the RCB or DNA teams?

?When did he learn about the deaths?

?Why was there a delay in deploying security for a program scheduled at 3 PM?

Dayananda is said to have responded to all questions put forth. So far, over 60 police officers and staff, including the ACP, DCP, and Inspector on duty during the incident, have been questioned. The magisterial inquiry, which began after the stampede that left 11 dead and 65 injured, is now in its final stages. The District Commissioner is expected to submit the report to the state government by the end of this week or early next week