Bengaluru: The cabinet, which meets Thursday, is expected to initiate action against those found responsible for the stampede outside M Chinnaswamy stadium on June 4, in which 11 people were killed during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL victory celebrations.The one-man inquiry commission led by Justice John Michael D’Cunha submitted its report on July 7. Though it was tabled during the cabinet meeting on July 17, a final decision was deferred. The report has reportedly held Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd (RCB franchise owner), event managers DNA Entertainment Networks, Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and senior police officers responsible for lapses that led to the tragedy.Chief minister Siddaramaiah met legal experts Wednesday to discuss the report ahead of the cabinet meeting. “The govt has studied the report in detail and required action will be taken on recommendations of ministers and considering provisions under the law,” said AS Ponnanna, Congress MLA and legal adviser to the CM.Sources say the commission has specifically recommended legal action against KSCA president Raghuram Bhat, DNA Entertainment Networks MD Venkat Vardhan, and Bengaluru city police commissioner B Dayananda. The report criticised the choice of venue, calling the stadium infrastructure inadequate for large gatherings, and reportedly suggested shifting crowd-heavy events to better-equipped venues.“Since the govt has already taken some action including suspension of four police officers, the cabinet will deliberate on Justice Cunha’s report and make recommendations. While a case is pending in the high court, the cabinet will also decide on filing a fresh petition if needed,” said HK Patil, law and parliamentary affairs minister.Officials said more legal action is likely, especially since the report accused KSCA and event organisers of violating the Licensing and Controlling of Assemblies and Processions (Bengaluru City) Order, 2009. Despite lacking police permission, organisers proceeded with the event. The commission also pulled up police for deploying only about 70 personnel — far below the required strength.Casting a long shadow, the report’s findings could impact upcoming events at the venue, including key matches of the ICC World Cup. The Maharaja Cup, slated for Aug 11-28, will now be held without spectators.Other items on agendaBesides the stampede report, the cabinet is also likely to consider key proposals, including amendments to the Global Capability Centers (GCC) Policy 2024-29, establishment of a Centre of Excellence for space technologies in Bengaluru, and implementation of the local economy accelerator programme at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore to drive tech innovation.“These steps are being taken to enhance jobs and the proposed amendment to the GCC policy is in line with the industrial policy aimed at creating a pro-people and industry-friendly ecosystem,” said IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge.
