KSCA holds 6-hour-long emergency meeting post Chinnaswamy stampede fiasco, resignations accepted

The Karnataka State Cricket Association witnessed another twist to the ongoing stampede fiasco that took place around the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium following a victory celebration announcement by Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Looking at the gravity of the situation, that rose, the Karnataka High Court had taken up the suo motu call to decide on the matter and hear the parties involved viz., KSCA, RCB, Karnataka Police, and DNA Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

A couple of days following the tragic incident, a joint resignation from two of top KSCA officials - secretary A Shankar and treasurer ES Jairam hit the association's office. The duo had decided to step away from the matter citing moral grounds, and a day later, the managing committee, chaired by President Raghuram Bhat, has accepted the resignation following a six-hour-long emergency meet on Saturday, June 7.

"I had called for an emergency managing committee meeting where decisions to be taken. The two of our members, the secretary [Shankar] and the treasurer [ES Jairam], have resigned. On moral grounds, they felt that it is not in the office, so they have resigned. So, for that, the meeting was held because I had to place the resignation letter in front of the committee to accept it. The committee praised their work, whatever they have done for the two and a half years. They have accepted the resignation. I can't talk more than this because this thing is in the court. I cannot speak anything more," Bhat told.

KSCA, in one of its earlier statement, had made it clear that the moral responsibility lies in state police's hands, but the resignation from the association members suggested a possible blame on the association and its members as well. On being inquired about the same, the former India and Ranji cricketer clarified that since the matter is already under judicial hearing, he will be able to make a comment only when an appropriate time comes.

"I do not want to talk anything on that particular subject because it is in the court. We have been to the court. That is a very delicate issue. When the appropriate time comes, I myself will call all of you and give a detailed response," he explained. The next hearing at the High Court is scheduled on June 10.

A day prior to the meet, the case was transferred to Criminal Investigation Department (CID)'s control. Following a set of a few intense discussions, Bhat addressed that they haven't encountered any enquiries from the investigation authorities yet, but whenever, they do, the body will be in complete co-operate.

"So far, nothing has come in. When the enquiry takes place [we'll share the details]. We have already told the government, we have told the Honourable High Court that we are there to help with the investigation. We will never shy away from anything. Whatever is there, we are ready to co-operate with the investigation," the 67-year-old added.