Year's budget can't compensate lives lost in stampede : Somanna

In the wake of the Congress-led Karnataka government increasing the ex-gratia compensation amount for the families of the deceased in the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede, Union Minister V Somanna on Sunday said even an entire year’s budget cannot atone for the precious lives lost during the tragic incident.

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“Those children were the future of Karnataka and of India,” Somanna said, addressing reporters.

Somanna’s remarks came a day after the state government enhanced the compensation amount from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh for the family of each of those who died in the stampede last Wednesday ahead of IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebrations.

The state government has been facing mounting criticism over the handling of the incident, which claimed 11 lives and left dozens injured.