Netizens demand Dayananda’s reinstatement, hail him Bengaluru’s best top cop after M Chinnaswamy stampede suspension; accuse govt of scapegoating police

BENGALURU: The suspension of B Dayananda as Bengaluru city police commissioner, for alleged dereliction of duty during the tragic M Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede, has triggered outrage from residents across the city.

Questions have been raised over the lack of crowd management measures that resulted in the death of 11 people besides leaving scores injured, but the govt’s reaction of suspending Dayananda and four other officers, hasn’t gone down well with the public. A move intended to fix accountability is now being seen as decision targeting the wrong people.Social media was flooded with messages defending Dayananda, praising his integrity, and questioning the govt’s handling of the situation.

“So sad… one of the most efficient commissioners. The way he handled high-profile cases was priceless. Does this really resolve the tragedy?” @malikarjuna naik said on X. For many Bengalureans, Dayananda was known for being accessible, active on public platforms, and someone who led with transparency.Dhruv NK, in a post, said, “It’s heartbreaking to see a people-centric, transparent, and accountable police commissioner being scapegoated.

He truly served Bengaluru.”Some even questioned why policemen were being punished, while politicians who approved the event remained untouched. “I support Bengaluru top cop B Dayananda and his team,” wrote Ranjith Kandya. “When the top cop is suspended, how can the CM and his team continue? The CM must resign.”

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