Karnataka Government Raises Compensation for Bengaluru Stampede Victims
Increased Compensation for Victims' Families
On Saturday, Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared that the compensation for the families of those who lost their lives in the recent stampede outside Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium would be raised to Rs 25 lakh, up from the previous Rs 10 lakh. This announcement follows a tragic incident where eleven individuals died and over fifty were injured during a gathering to celebrate the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory in the Indian Premier League.
The stampede occurred at Gate Number 3 of the stadium on Wednesday, where fans had assembled to welcome their team. In response to the tragedy, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru had previously announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each family affected and initiated a fund named RCB Cares to assist those injured.
In a statement on social media, the team expressed their sorrow, stating, 'The unfortunate incident has caused a lot of anguish and pain to the RCB family. Our fans will always remain at the heart of everything that we do.' The state's compensation is in addition to the cricket team's commitment.
On Friday, law enforcement apprehended Nikhil Sosale, the marketing head of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, along with three others from DNA Entertainment Networks, in connection with the stampede. This action came shortly after the Chief Minister ordered the arrest of representatives from the Karnataka State Cricket Association and the event management firm involved.
Additionally, Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda and several officers were suspended following the incident.
Warnings Prior to the Incident
Reports indicate that just hours before the stampede, a senior police official raised alarms regarding potential overcrowding and a lack of security personnel. MN Karibasavana Gowda, the deputy commissioner of police for Vidhana Soudha security, had informed G Sathyavathi, the government secretary, about the anticipated influx of cricket fans.
Gowda noted the challenges posed by insufficient security staff, stating, 'Lakhs of cricket fans are likely to come to Vidhana Soudha, and making bandobast will be a problem.' Following these warnings, Sathyavathi publicly encouraged fans to gather at the stadium instead of Vidhana Soudha, where the team was being honored.