Row over Karnataka stampede intensifies

A formal complaint was submitted to Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Saturday against chief minister Siddaramaiah over alleged negligence leading to the June 4 stampede near the Chinnaswamy stadium that claimed 11 lives, even as the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intensified its attack on the Congress leadership in the state.

- Coovercolly Indresh

BENGALURU:

In his complaint to the governor, Girish Kumar, a resident of Kottigepalya in Bengaluru, alleged that the chief minister had personally invited the public to participate in the celebrations of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL victory without ensuring adequate safety arrangements.

The complaint also questioned the state government's decision to host a grand reception for a private cricket franchise like RCB, claiming that IPL is a commercial venture driven by profit motives rather than national pride. "Players are bought by franchises and play for money, not for the country or the state," the letter alleged, pointing out that such celebrations were not extended to national heroes such as soldiers or Olympic athletes.