Despite warning by police, the authorities reportedly ignored it

Bengaluru

The tragic stampede that occurred during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory parade has sparked a fierce blame game between the Karnataka government and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). While the government asserts that KSCA is solely responsible for the chaos, the KSCA claims that the event was organized at the state’s suggestion — and that lapses originated within the administration. Amid these accusations, the families of the 11 deceased continue to mourn, demanding justice and punishment for those responsible.

As multiple investigative teams have been deployed to unearth the truth behind the incident, a damning revelation has come to light — a prior warning about the potential threat was allegedly ignored by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) Secretary, Sathyavathi.

It has now emerged that on June 4, just a day before the stampede, DCP of Vidhana Soudha Security, Karibasavana Gowda, had written to the DPAR Secretary, flagging a potential danger due to inadequate security staffing. His letter, written in response to KSCA’s June 3 request seeking permission to felicitate RCB players at Vidhana Soudha, clearly mentioned that large crowds were expected and existing security arrangements were insufficient.

Despite this, DPAR Secretary Sathyavathi reportedly granted permission without acting on the DCP’s warning. She also reportedly visited the stadium on June 4 and made media statements supporting the event, indicating that the warning may have been disregarded.

The CID has already arrested four individuals in connection with the stampede and transferred them to Parappana Agrahara Central Jail. However, the agency is now seeking custody of the accused for further interrogation and is expected to file a request in court on Monday. CID officials will also revisit Chinnaswamy Stadium as part of their investigation.

Simultaneously, a separate magisterial probe has also gained momentum. Details of the injured have been collected from ten hospitals across Bengaluru, including Bowring, Fortis, Manipal, and Vydehi hospitals.

As both the CID and magistrate-led inquiries press ahead, the emerging evidence of administrative negligence — especially the alleged disregard for a clear warning from the security division — has put the DPAR under intense scrutiny. Public outrage is mounting as families of the victims seek accountability and answers.