Bengaluru, 29 July

Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said that the former Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda, whose suspension has been revoked by the government along with three other police officers, will not be reinstated in the same position, and will be given a post equivalent to his ranking.

The State government on Monday had revoked the suspension of four police officers, including Dayananda, who were suspended in connection with the 4 June stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which left 11 people dead, pending the initiation of disciplinary proceedings.

The government also revoked the suspension of Shekar H Tekkannavar - Superintendent of Police, and two State Police Service officers, C Balakrishna - Dy SP and A K Girish - Police Inspector.

However, the suspension of Vikash Kumar Vikash - Inspector General of Police, stands as proceedings related to his case are currently underway in the Karnataka High Court.

Vikash had challenged his suspension before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), which revoked the suspension order on 1 July. The government has challenged the CAT order in the High Court, and the case is pending.

"(Vikash) had gone to CAT, hence he has not got (reinstated). In case directions come to reinstate him or any other directions, it will be considered."

Asked about whether Dayananda would be reinstated as the Bengaluru Police Commissioner, Parameshwara said, "He will not be given the same position as Commissioner. He will be given an equivalent post to his ranking."

To a question about whether it was a set back to the State government, Parameshwara, "How is it a set back? It (suspension) was our (government) decision.....suspension was an administrative decision, it has been revoked.....departmental inquiry has continued. Let's see what comes out."