Tragedy Strikes: NHRC Investigates Bengaluru Stampede That Claimed 11 Lives
NHRC Takes Action Following Bengaluru Stampede
Bengaluru: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated an inquiry into the tragic stampede that occurred near Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals. Notices have been dispatched to both the Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban district and the city's Police Commissioner.
The NHRC has requested an Action Taken Report from these officials within a week.
Brijvir Singh, the Assistant Registrar (Law), stated, “The Registry is instructed to notify the District Magistrate and Commissioner of Police in Bengaluru, Karnataka, to investigate the allegations presented in the complaint and submit an Action Taken Report within seven days for the Commission's review.”
It is noteworthy that the Deputy Commissioner also holds the position of District Magistrate.
The authorities are required to provide a list of both deceased and injured individuals. Additionally, they must submit relevant documents, including permissions granted for the event and details about the authority that issued these permissions. The NHRC has also requested the report from the Special Branch, CID, Police, which was reviewed before granting permission for such large-scale events.
The NHRC noted that the complainant has sought its intervention, calling for a high-level investigation, accountability from responsible officials, and compensation for the victims. They also requested the establishment of preventive measures to avert similar incidents in the future.
The NHRC emphasized that the allegations in the complaints appear to indicate serious violations of the victims' human rights. The Commission, led by Member Priyank Kanoongo, has taken cognizance under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, assigns the NHRC the duty of safeguarding and promoting the rights of all individuals in India, granting it civil court powers for inquiries under Section 13 of the Act.
The complainant highlighted a news report regarding a stampede that occurred during the Royal Challengers Bangalore's IPL-18 Cup victory parade on June 4, outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Allegations of severe administrative negligence during the event have been made, claiming that 11 people lost their lives and over 50 sustained injuries.
The NHRC has received multiple complaints, including one from the 'BHIM' organization, which criticized the authorities for inadequate crowd control. Alarmingly, celebrations continued inside the stadium even as the tragedy unfolded outside, with deceased individuals lying nearby.