Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : More than a decade after a fatal stampede outside Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, two top officials from the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) have resigned, citing "moral responsibility" for the tragedy.
The resignations of KSCA Secretary A. Shankar and Treasurer Erapalli Prasanna, a legendary former Indian cricketer, come as they face an impending trial for their role in the incident.
The tragic event unfolded on September 17, 2011, ahead of a Champions League T20 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Somerset. A massive crowd of fans surged towards the stadium gates, desperate to get complimentary tickets that were being distributed. The situation quickly devolved into chaos, prompting police to use a lathi-charge (baton charge) to control the crowd. The ensuing panic led to a stampede that injured around 15 people and resulted in the tragic death of a woman named Gayathri.
Following the incident, a police case was filed against the KSCA office-bearers, including Shankar and Prasanna. Despite their attempts to have the charges dismissed, the Karnataka High Court recently refused to quash the criminal proceedings against them, clearing the way for a trial.
In their resignation letters submitted to KSCA President Anil Kumble, both men stated they were stepping down on moral grounds. Their decision marks a significant moment of accountability in Indian sports administration, highlighting the long-lasting legal and personal consequences of the fatal event.
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