Arranged 5,000 personnel, can’t use lathi: Shivakumar on Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede
A tragic incident unfolded at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, as a stampede broke out, leaving several people dead and many more injured. The incident has raised questions about the preparedness and response of the government and authorities. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, was asked about the lapse from the government’s side in preventing the stampede, and his response has sparked controversy.
In a statement, Shivakumar claimed that the government had arranged for 5,000 security personnel to ensure the safety of the crowd. However, he also added that “this is a young crowd, we can’t use lathis” (batons). This statement has been met with criticism from many, who feel that the use of force, albeit minimal, could have prevented or minimized the chaos.
The incident occurred during a cricket match between India and West Indies, when a large number of fans surged towards the exit gates, leading to a crush. The exact number of fatalities is still unknown, but reports suggest that several people lost their lives, and many more were injured. The stadium’s capacity was breached, leading to a chaotic situation that was difficult to manage.
Shivakumar’s statement has been seen as an attempt to downplay the seriousness of the situation and shift the blame away from the government. Many have pointed out that the use of force, even in the form of batons, is a last resort and should be used only when all other measures have failed. In this case, the authorities had failed to anticipate the crowd’s behavior and take necessary precautions to prevent the stampede.
The Deputy Chief Minister’s statement has also been criticized for its tone-deafness. By stating that the crowd was “young,” Shivakumar seems to be implying that the victims were at fault for their actions, rather than acknowledging the government’s failure to provide adequate security and management. This kind of rhetoric can be seen as insensitive and dismissive of the tragedy that has unfolded.
The incident has raised questions about the preparedness of the stadium and the authorities to handle large crowds. It is clear that there were significant lapses in the security arrangements, which ultimately led to the tragedy. The use of 5,000 security personnel is a positive step, but it is unclear why they were unable to prevent the stampede.
Shivakumar’s statement has also been criticized for its lack of empathy and condolences to the families of the victims. Instead of offering words of comfort and support, the Deputy Chief Minister seemed more focused on justifying the government’s actions and minimizing the severity of the situation.
In the aftermath of the incident, it is essential that the government takes concrete steps to improve the safety and security of the stadium. This includes increasing the number of security personnel, improving crowd management, and ensuring that emergency services are readily available in case of an emergency.
It is also crucial that the government takes responsibility for the tragedy and apologizes to the families of the victims. The use of force, even in limited quantities, should be avoided, and the government should focus on creating a safe and secure environment for all events.
In conclusion, the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede is a tragic reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and security. The government’s response to the incident has been woefully inadequate, and it is essential that they take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future. The use of 5,000 security personnel is a positive step, but it is not enough to justify the government’s inaction and lack of empathy in the face of tragedy.
