CAT Revokes Suspension Of IPS Officer In Chinnaswamy Stadium Stampede Case; Orders Review Of Action Against 2 Others

Bengaluru: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) on Tuesday, July 1, overturned the suspension of Vikash Kumar Vikash in the June 4 Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede. the tribunal has also ordered a review of action against two other senior IPS officers in the case.

Vikash was serving as Additional Commissioner (East) in Bengaluru at the time of the stampede. The tragic incident, which took place during the celebrations following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s long-awaited IPL victory, claimed 11 lives and left many injured.

Tribunal Questions Government's Grounds for Disciplinary Action

The tribunal’s order also directed the government to review the suspensions of two other senior IPS officers, then Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda and Shekhar, saying the decisions must be re-evaluated. Sources close to the matter said both officers are hopeful their suspensions will also be revoked.

Vikash had approached the CAT shortly after his suspension, arguing that the government’s order lacked clarity on his individual role in the tragedy and failed to establish wilful negligence. The tribunal’s ruling comes just two days after the Centre formally approved the Karnataka government’s recommendation to suspend the three officers over alleged lapses in crowd control.

CM Deflects Blame Amid Prior Warnings from Police

Despite the police reportedly advising against holding the celebrations on June 4 and suggesting a delay till June 8, the event was carried forward, drawing overwhelming crowds.

According to a News18 report, DCP MN Karibasvanna had sent a letter to the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) the same day, flagging severe security concerns. The letter warned of possible chaos due to the team’s immense popularity, highlighted the absence of CCTV coverage, and even recommended half-day leave for Vidhana Soudha employees.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, meanwhile, denied any responsibility, saying that the state government had no role in organising the event. Dismissing calls for his resignation, he said, “A stampede took place at Kumbh Mela. When a bridge that was inaugurated by PM Modi collapsed that very day, leading to hundreds of deaths, did he resign? Did any of you demand his resignation? The Kumbh Mela saw the death of 50-60 people. Did any of you demand his resignation? Did he resign? Did the BJP even demand it then?" 

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