Massive public and political backlash has erupted over the suspension of Bengaluru’s Police Commissioner B Dayananda, who was removed from his post just a day after a tragic stampede killed 11 people outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4. Critics from all walks of life have called the move abrupt and unjust, leading to a wave of solidarity online under the trending hashtag #IStandWithBDayanand.

The event that triggered the stampede was organised by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s recent IPL win. The overwhelming crowd reportedly exceeded the venue’s capacity, leading to a stampede that left several dead and over 50 injured. According to media reports, Commissioner Dayananda had warned against holding the event midweek and had recommended a weekend schedule advice that was ultimately disregarded by authorities.

Just hours after his suspension, senior IPS officer Seemanth Kumar Singh, previously heading the Bengaluru Metropolitan Task Force, was appointed as the city’s new police chief. An official notification confirmed Singh’s immediate transfer and elevation to the role of Additional Director General of Police and Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru.

Bengaluru Police Mulls Silent Protest Over Commissioner’s Suspension

Internally, the mood within the police department is reported to be grim. Several officers are said to be distressed by the government’s action and are considering symbolic protests such as wearing black armbands. Fears of political retribution, however, have kept many from speaking out openly.

Veteran police officers have come forward to condemn the suspension. Former city commissioner Megharikh questioned the lack of due process, saying, “The police weren’t the main organisers how can one official be singled out without a proper inquiry?” He added that mistakes can happen during crowd control but scapegoating a senior officer without full facts was unjustified.

Retired IPS officer Bhaskar Rao was even more direct in his criticism. Holding the Deputy Chief Minister responsible, he accused the government of entering “panic mode” and called the suspension the “darkest day” for Karnataka’s police force. Rao said the Chief Minister had failed to act with courage and blamed “uncontrollable political interference” for the chaos.

Opposition Slams Govt, Demands DCM’s Resignation

Political parties have also joined the fray. The BJP labelled the suspension as a case of punishing the innocent to shield the guilty, while the JD(S) launched an all-out attack on Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, demanding his resignation and alleging he was the main figure behind the ill-fated event. Calls for accountability have gained traction online through hashtags like #ArrestDCM, #ResignDCM, and #StepDownDCM.

Adding to the momentum, an online petition demanding Dayananda’s reinstatement has begun circulating, amassing support from citizens, former civil servants, and members of the public who praised his integrity and administrative capabilities.

Despite mounting outrage, the Karnataka government has yet to release a comprehensive explanation addressing the basis of Dayananda’s suspension or the criticisms directed at the Deputy CM.