‘Punished for doing our duty?’ Officers express anguish over suspensions in Bengaluru stampede case

The recent stampede incident during the RCB victory celebration at Chinnaswamy Stadium has sparked not just public outrage, but also internal unrest within government and police circles. Following the suspension of senior officials in the aftermath of the chaos, there’s rising resentment among officers who believe they are being penalized despite following protocol.

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A government order suspending multiple police officers has led to intense debate within administrative circles. Many officials are now questioning the fairness of the action. “We worked hard on the ground, managed crowds under pressure, and still got suspended. Is this the price for doing our duty?” said one senior official on condition of anonymity.

There is growing dissatisfaction among personnel, with whispers of demotivation spreading through the ranks. The feeling is that police are being made scapegoats, while event organizers and higher authorities who failed to enforce preventive measures are escaping accountability.

A senior officer remarked, “If the government makes police the scapegoats every time, how are we supposed to take bold steps in future events? Who will take responsibility then?” Others expressed that the suspension order seems more like a symbolic gesture to appease public anger rather than a well-thought-out disciplinary action.

Officials also hinted that the suspensions may be part of a larger political move, with some alleging that individuals are being sacrificed to protect others or shift blame away from powerful entities involved in the event’s organization.