Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 5 : Following the death of 11 people in the Bengaluru stampede, Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, on Thursday, alleged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Dy CM DK Shivakumar are directly responsible for the mishap.
"Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar are directly responsible for the tragic stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium and its surroundings," he said.
Ashoka demanded that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a High Court judge probe the incident.
Speaking at a press conference, he stated, "We will not accept an investigation by the District Collector. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is being filed before the High Court Chief Justice. The investigation must be conducted under the supervision of a High Court judge, and an SIT should be formed for this purpose. The report must be submitted directly to the High Court. Justice must be delivered for all these deaths, and those responsible must be punished."
He criticised CM Siddaramaiah for evading responsibility by claiming it was a Cricket Association event and attempting to cover up his mistakes. Ashoka demanded that CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM DK Shivakumar take moral responsibility and resign.
"How can District Collectors, who work under the CM and report to him, conduct an impartial investigation? They were responsible for planning the event, finalising its framework, and making preparations. It's impossible to believe they would honestly investigate the government's lapses and errors. Deceiving the public and causing deaths is bad enough, but why are they now resorting to self-deception and adding to their sins? Only a judicial probe can deliver justice to innocent lives and their parents. The Congress government must not stoop to such pettiness even in the face of death," R Ashoka asserted.
"Those who celebrated by lifting the cup and posing for photos didn't show up to carry the bodies of the innocent victims. Those who took selfies at the airport didn't visit the homes of the deceased to shed tears. Those who honoured cricketers with turbans and garlands didn't come to put soil on the graves of the dead. In this heartless government, the lives of ordinary people have no value," he said.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Karnataka High Court notified the state government about the stampede and listed the matter for hearing again on June 10.
The High Court took suo motu cognisance of the incident and asked for a further status report.
"We have expressed ourselves to the Advocate General and he has filed a status report, which is taken on record. Registry is directed to register this suo-motu cognisance as a suo-moto WP. Relist on 10th June, Tuesday," the Court said.