Stampede Inquiry Report to Be Implemented in Phases, Says Karnataka Home Minister

The Karnataka government will implement recommendations from the stampede inquiry report in phases, Home Minister G Parameshwara said. Legal action will be taken against RCB, KSCA, and others linked to the June 4 tragedy that killed 11. The report also suggests reforms for crowd safety at large public events.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara announced on Friday that the state government will implement the recommendations of the judicial commission investigating the June 4 stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium in a phased manner. The tragic incident occurred during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s IPL victory celebration, claiming 11 lives and injuring over 70 people.

The government has accepted the report submitted by retired High Court judge John Michael D’Cunha and plans to initiate both legal and departmental action against several individuals and organizations involved in the event. These include the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), DNA Entertainment Networks, and RCB management.

“The report has been accepted, and implementation will begin step by step,” said Parameshwara in Bengaluru. He confirmed that officers already suspended will now face a departmental inquiry. The cases against RCB and DNA will continue, and administrative inquiries will proceed under state jurisdiction.

The cabinet note named KSCA president Raghuram Bhat, former president A Shankar, former treasurer Jayaram ES, RCB vice president Rajesh Menon, and DNA managing director Venkatavardhan as those against whom legal action would be initiated. While no specific legal steps were detailed, officials indicated further proceedings would follow.

The report also recommended structural reforms for public safety at mass gatherings. These include pre-event approval conditions and formal crowd control guidelines. The government has pledged to integrate these recommendations to improve safety at future events.

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Parameshwara clarified that no political leaders were named in the report, countering allegations from the BJP that the Congress government was shielding key figures. The Opposition, led by R Ashoka, demanded a new judicial inquiry led by a sitting judge.

Parameshwara responded by encouraging the Opposition to provide constructive suggestions, adding that criticism from rivals was a normal part of democratic governance.