Retired police officers write open letter to CM against suspension of IPS officers

Retired IPS officers urge Karnataka CM to revoke suspension over RCB stampede, demand accountability for tragic incident.

Extending support to the suspended IPS officers in Bengaluru over the RCB stampede episode in which 11 people lost their lives, several retired top IPS officers from across the country have written to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah requesting him to revoke the suspension and demanded strict action against those who despite police warning went ahead with the celebrations.

An open letter signed by 30 officials, including former director generals, former CBI director, cabinet secretary rank officials, former officials of the central intelligence bureau, and central armed forces termed the suspension as a hasty decision.

The letter stated that the senior police officers, including the Commissioner of Police, were made the fall guys. “There is a general impression that the police officers have been victimised while those, whose haste, over-enthusiasm, and reluctance to take a stand, contributed to the tragedy, have managed to get away,” the letter said.

Referring the incident is unfortunate and expressing condolences, the letter stated that RCB management was insistent on hosting the program within hours of their victory because their foreign players and some local players had travel plans, which could not be altered.

The letter further stated that the IPL is a commercial sporting entertainer. “The franchisees may be named after some city or State depending on the location of the franchisee, but the team assembled on the basis of auctions in no way represents the city or the State. In fact, these franchisees have no standing in the domestic cricketing calendar. Their only concern is revenue, TRP, and profits,” the letter stated .

“The police officials had conveyed in writing and otherwise about the danger of acceding to the request of the RCB/KSCA to organise the functions within hours after the final match. They advised the government and also the organisers to defer the programme toJune 8, by which time appropriate arrangements could have been made in consultation with all the stakeholders.

It appears that no written directions were given to the police overruling their objections. The organisers meanwhile kept inviting their fans to participate in the functions in large numbers, offering them free tickets and free passes.