After Chinnaswamy stampede, Karnataka police drafts new SOP for crowd control and CPR training

In the wake of the tragic stampede at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Karnataka Police Department has taken decisive steps to prevent such disasters in the future. The Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) Dr. Saleem has instructed all police units to follow a newly framed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing large crowds at public events.

Also Read:Bengaluru: CAT holds RCB prima facie responsible victory parade stampede

The SOP aims to standardize how the police handle crowd gatherings during high-risk events like concerts, sports matches, fairs, and political rallies. This fresh directive emphasizes pre-event coordination with organisers, regular inspections of venue infrastructure, and clear communication about entry and exit points to prevent dangerous overcrowding.

A major highlight of this new approach is the mandatory CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) training for all police personnel. Recognising that police officers are often the first responders during emergencies, the department is updating its training manuals to include practical crowd control techniques and life-saving CPR skills. The idea is to equip every officer with the know-how to stabilise victims until medical help arrives.

According to senior officials, the curriculum for police training has already included crowd management modules for the past year. Now, more realistic mock drills and demonstrations will be conducted to ensure that officers are ready for any eventuality.

Under the SOP, all police teams will be required to assess the crowd’s movement patterns, identify potential risk zones, and ensure adequate barricading where necessary. Organisers must coordinate closely with law enforcement to guarantee emergency exits, medical aid stations, ambulance parking, and a dedicated control room.

In addition, the guidelines stress the need for proper documentation. Video and audio recordings of critical decisions, safety warnings, and crowd movement during events will be maintained for future review and learning. If a venue fails to meet safety standards, police can recommend that permission for large gatherings be denied.