June 5-signed letter from govt says KSCA should bear full responsibility for June 4 event

BENGALURU: Following the stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium, the chief secretary of the government sent a letter to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), stating that the statign that the state cricket body should take full responsibility for the felicitation of the RCB players on the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha.

What is shocking is that the event was organised on June 4, when the stampede occurred, but the letter, dated June 4, was signed on June 5. This seems like an attempt to shift the blame on to the KSCA as the letter was signed a day after the incident, under the guise of imposing conditions, sources pointed out.

In the letter, the government had set a condition that KSCA should pay an advance of Rs 15 lakh to set up the stage. However, DNA Entertainment Networks, an event management firm which set up the stage in front of Vidhana Soudha, is trying to show discrepancies in their accounts.

The DNA team arrived at Vidhana Soudha premises at 8 am to set up the stage, but they were stopped by the police commissoner B Dayananda. The police chief didn’t allow the DNA team to enter until 11 am. Later, due to pressure from the secretary, the DNA team was allowed to enter.

Conditions mentioned in the letter to KSCA:

• Necessary precautions should be taken to ensure that the event does not damage the grand staircase, statues, roads, gardens or any other structure in the area. In case of any damage, the organizers should bear the cost of repairs or restoration.
• The event should be conducted in a smooth manner so as to not disrupt traffic. Necessary coordination with the police department should be done to ensure smooth traffic movement.
• Office work should not be affected during the event.
• The event venue should be kept clean.
• Plastic bottles and items are strictly prohibited. Paper/glass cups should be used by the public.
• If refreshments or dinner are arranged for invited guests, only pre-prepared food items should be brought from outside. No gas cylinders should be brought. Arrangements for refreshments should be made only on the right side of the east gate of Vidhana Soudha. The event management agency arranging refreshments should pay a security deposit of Rs 10,000, which will be refunded if there are no complaints after the event.
• A cleanliness fee of Rs 10,000 should be paid one day before the event.
• If the event is cancelled due to any reason, the advance cleanliness fee will not be refunded.
• If a stage is set up on the grand staircase, approval should be obtained from the Assistant Executive Engineer, Building Sub-Division, Public Works Department, Vidhana Soudha.
• The organizing agency will be fully responsible for any accidents or mishaps during the event.
• If electrical equipment is used, approval should be obtained from the Assistant Executive Engineer, Electrical Sub-Division, Public Works Department, Vidhana Soudha.
• Invitation cards should be approved by the Protocol department.
• The use of drones is strictly prohibited around Vidhana Soudha.
• Fire safety measures should be taken by hiring fire tenders and personnel from the Fire Department.
• Medical officers and support staff should be hired from the Health Department as a precautionary measure.
• If a tent or other arrangements are made for the event, the concerned contractors/organizers should pay a security deposit of Rs 15 lakh.