The state government’s decision to suspend Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B. Dayanand following the tragic stampede at the Chinnaswamy Stadium has sparked outrage across political lines, police ranks, and civil society. What was perhaps intended as a show of accountability has now been denounced as a hasty, politically motivated scapegoating of a highly respected officer.
From the symbolic protests of constables to social media campaigns led by citizens, retired officers, and even family members of ruling party leaders, the growing backlash paints a troubling picture: that an upright officer has been sacrificed not for failure but to shield political mismanagement.
A suspension that has shaken the morale of the force
B. Dayanand, a senior IPS officer known for his integrity and clean administrative record, had served Bengaluru diligently for nearly two years. His suspension in the aftermath of the stampede, which killed several young fans during the RCB victory celebration, is being viewed as a blow to the morale of the police force.
Former Commissioner and BJP spokesperson Bhaskar Rao minced no words, calling it “a dark chapter for the state police department.” Rao added, “Suspending a sincere officer without transparent inquiry reflects the rot in the system. This is not accountability, this is betrayal.”
Rao’s comments have resonated across the police fraternity. Officers, both serving and retired, have taken to social media platforms with the campaign poster “I Stand for Dayanand”, voicing their solidarity. Many view this as yet another instance where political compulsions have overridden administrative logic.
A Congress minister’s wife joins the chorus
In a rare move, even the family of ruling party members has spoken against the government’s decision. Taburao, wife of senior Congress leader and Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, posted on X: “Dayanand is a dignified, honest, and committed officer. This decision is unfair.”
Her post triggered further political ripples. Opposition leader R. Ashok responded: “Even your own family acknowledges the injustice. CM Siddaramaiah should take moral responsibility for the mismanagement. Instead, an honest officer is being punished while ministers dance with trophies. If you have any shame left, resign.”
The post was widely shared and praised for its courage, bringing further public attention to what many are now calling “a political stunt to deflect responsibility.”
A symbolic protest and police clampdown
Amid the storm, Mandya-based constable Narasimha Raju staged a symbolic protest near Raj Bhavan. Wearing a black armband and holding a portrait of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he intended to submit a complaint requesting that the Governor intervene and revoke Dayanand’s suspension. However, Raju was quickly detained by the police and taken to Vidhana Soudha Police Station—a move that further intensified the anger.
“Punishing a whistleblower or reform-minded officer is not new in this system,” a retired DCP told reporters off the record. “But this is the first time I’m seeing such a united front of resistance—from within the police force itself.”
BJP demanded the government’s dismissal over the stampede tragedy
In the wake of the Bengaluru stampede incident, strong demands have emerged for the dismissal of the entire state government. Speaking to reporters on June 8, he lashed out, saying, “This is a pathetic government — should we call it a ‘liquor bottle’ government or what, we don’t even know anymore.”
He added, “Here we are, 40 people protesting peacefully, yet over 150 policemen have been deployed with guns just to suppress our voices. The government is desperate to silence dissent and might even arrest us.”
Accusing the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of misplaced priorities, he alleged, “While innocent people were dying, the CM and DCM were busy promoting RCB with whisky bottles in their hands inside the Vidhana Soudha. RCB now stands for ‘Real Culprits of Bangalore’.”
He launched a scathing attack on the Chief Minister, saying, “How can you say no one died when the whole nation watched the tragic visuals unfold on live TV? Did your officers bury their heads in the sand?”
In a fierce condemnation, he concluded, “Only the dismissal of this government will bring peace to the souls of the deceased.”
