‘Shouldn’t have protested in uniform’: Head Constable who protested against officers’ suspension over Bengaluru stampede

BENGALURU: Head Constable Narasimharaju, posted at Madiwala police station in Bengaluru, who staged a solo protest against the suspension of the City Police Commissioner B Dayananda and other officials, is now worried about possible action the government may take against him.

During a telephonic interview, he said, “This was not something we expected after the stampede incident, which took place near Chinnaswamy stadium in which 11 people died and many were injured. It made me emotional and that is why I staged to protest against the decision made by the Karnataka government. Whenever this kind of incident happens, there is an option to transfer the officers, but suspending officers, including the police commissioner of Bengaluru, in fact brings the morale of the department and the employees down”.

Narasimharaju, who holds a Master’s degree (MA, BEd) and is from Pavagada, lives with his mother and family. He is now worried about the action the police department or government might take against him.

He said, “I have only one last option, which is to fight this legally. I am waiting for a call from my DCP madam. Once she calls, I will go and explain my feelings to her. I’m hopeful she will respond positively. I’ve already received a notice and explained my emotions to my senior officers. Yes, I was emotional and I admit I shouldn’t have protested in uniform, as it goes against protocol. But I got emotional because after working long hours without sleep, seeing someone get suspended affects the morale of others in the department”.

Chief Minister Siddaramiah on Sunday said that the police officers concerned had been suspended as arrangements were not adequate at Chinnaswamy Stadium. He said that the BJP and JD(S) are making politically motivated allegations in the stampede case that took place during the RCB celebrations at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium.

“The BJP is making politically motivated allegations. Based on the information that appears to be available regarding the incident, the government has taken action against the police concerned,” CM Siddaramaiah said. He said that a judicial inquiry has been ordered as per the demand of the BJP and JDS. Similarly, action has been taken against the police. He said that the government personnel and administration departments had been given conditional permission to organise the programme.

Following the Bengaluru stampede that claimed 11 lives and left many injured, the Karnataka Government on June 5 suspended top police officials, including Bengaluru commissioner B Dayananda and formed a one-man commission under a retired High Court Judge to probe the incident. (ANI)