Seemant Kumar Singh Takes Charge at Midnight Following Unprecedented Suspension of Top Officers in Chinnaswamy Tragedy
Bengaluru: In a dramatic late-night development, the Karnataka state government suspended several senior police officials, including Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B. Dayanand, in connection with the tragic stampede incident near Chinnaswamy Stadium. Following this, Seemant Kumar Singh was immediately appointed as the 39th Police Commissioner of Bengaluru, marking a first in the state police department's history for such swift action amid a crisis.
Seemant Kumar Singh officially assumed charge at 12:15 AM, making the transition a historic midnight takeover. Top-ranking officers and DCPs welcomed him as he took the oath and convened a brief meeting with senior city officials.
🗨️ “I have taken charge on the orders of the Chief Minister and the Home Minister. Even in such a difficult situation, the previous Commissioner has done a good job. I will continue that,”
– Seemant Kumar Singh, Bengaluru’s newly appointed Police Commissioner.
No Immediate Comment on Stampede Probe
In his initial address, Commissioner Singh maintained a cautious tone about the stampede investigation.
“I also worked in this office earlier. Times are different now. I will not comment on the stampede case right now. I will respond after holding a meeting with the officials,”
– Seemant Kumar Singh.
This move comes after a major public outcry over the tragic stampede that claimed lives and sparked a political storm across the state. The incident has not only shaken public trust but also triggered a rare administrative overhaul in the city’s police hierarchy.
Historic Suspension of Top Brass Sparks Controversy
For the first time in Karnataka’s police history, an Additional Director General of Police (ADGP)-rank officer has been suspended, along with the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner.
Commissioner B. Dayanand, Additional Commissioner Vikas Kumar Vikas, and others were relieved of their duties for alleged lapses leading to the stampede. The move, while signaling the state’s zero-tolerance stance, has also opened the floodgates to criticism.
“This is a politically motivated move by the government to deflect attention. Suspending an honest officer like Dayanand without due process is a dangerous precedent,”
– Senior opposition leader (via X post).
On social media, hashtags calling for #JusticeForDayanand and condemning the government's "publicity-driven politics" have begun trending, with many netizens accusing the government of sacrificing sincere officers to save face.
B Dayanand’s Career Progression in Jeopardy
Sources within the police department indicate that the suspension might severely jeopardize Dayanand’s promotion prospects. Despite previous recognition for his integrity and performance, the suspension has cast a shadow over his record.
Observers also point to the political undertone of the move, suggesting it was executed to showcase swift accountability ahead of crucial political events.
A Midnight Shake-up That Could Reshape Policing in Bengaluru
While Seemant Kumar Singh takes the reins in what he terms “difficult circumstances”, all eyes are now on how he will steer the department in the wake of the controversy. With expectations mounting, the newly appointed commissioner faces the challenge of restoring public trust and handling an emotionally charged investigation.
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