Constable protests over Commissioner’s suspension at Raj Bhavan

In an unusual act of defiance, Head Constable Narsingha Raju from Madiwala Police Station staged a solo protest outside Raj Bhavan on Thursday, expressing his dissent against the state government’s decision to suspend Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda and four senior officers.

Carrying a portrait of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and wearing a black armband, Raju submitted a formal complaint to the Governor, urging the revocation of the suspension orders. He argued that such action demoralizes the police force and undermines the confidence of personnel committed to public service. The constable was later taken into custody by Vidhana Soudha police for unauthorized demonstration.

The suspension of Commissioner Dayananda, along with Additional Commissioner Vikas Kumar, Central DCP Shekhar Tekkannavar, ACP Balakrishna, and Inspector Girish, follows a tragic incident during a public celebration. On Wednesday night, a massive crowd had gathered near Vidhana Soudha and Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate RCB’s IPL 2025 victory. The uncontrolled crowd led to a stampede, claiming the lives of 11 fans.

The government, responding swiftly to public outrage, ordered the suspension of the officials for alleged lapses in crowd control. While the action has triggered political reactions and public debate, it also prompted the appointment of Seemant Kumar Singh as the new Bengaluru Police Commissioner. The protest by Head Constable Raju, though solitary, has sparked discussions around accountability, morale, and the fairness of disciplinary actions within the police department following unforeseen public disasters.