Karnataka Cabinet discusses Chinnaswamy stadium stampede; CM urges caution

A high-level cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today held serious deliberations on the tragic stampede incident at Chinnaswamy Stadium. The meeting, held in the wake of a massive crowd surge that resulted in 11 fatalities, focused on accountability, crowd management, and legal proceedings currently underway.

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The Chief Minister expressed concern over the unexpected turnout at the stadium. “We anticipated 50,000 to 60,000 people. But the crowd far exceeded expectations, leading to the unfortunate incident,” Siddaramaiah told ministers. He added that the matter is now being closely followed by the Karnataka High Court, which has taken it up suo motu.

Justice Shashikiran Shetty has reportedly raised pertinent concerns regarding the incident during court proceedings, which were also reviewed during the cabinet discussion. The CM emphasized the need for transparency and cooperation with the judiciary, urging ministers to observe utmost seriousness in handling the matter.

“This is a sensitive issue,” Siddaramaiah said, cautioning his cabinet against making any controversial or speculative public statements. He specifically advised restraint while speaking to the media, stressing the need to maintain public confidence and avoid misinformation.

The state government is expected to file a detailed report with the court, even as investigations continue into the planning lapses that may have contributed to the stampede.