CM pulls up top cops for shoddy probe in RCB stampede

Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Friday came down heavily on top police officers in Karnataka, pulling them up for poor quality of investigations and lack of proper information of critical events while referring to the delay in informing about stampede deaths during Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) victory celebrations.

- Arun Dev

BENGALURU:

Speaking at a review meeting held at the office of the director general of police in Bengaluru, the chief minister issued a series of stern directions to restore public confidence in law enforcement.

"Though the overall crime rate in the state is lower, the quality of police investigations has significantly declined. This must be improved immediately," Siddaramaiah said, addressing senior police officials.

The chief minister expressed dismay over the delay in arresting an accused in the Bidar robbery case. "The accused has been identified, but it has been five months and still no arrest. This is unacceptable," he said.

Pointing to the recent stampede in wake of celebration of RCB's victory in IPL in Bengaluru that left 11 people dead, Siddaramaiah said, "I have been an MLA since 1983 and also served as chief minister earlier. Never have I seen such a riot incident in Bengaluru. Why do we even have an intelligence department if it cannot provide timely and accurate information?"