Bengaluru, June 17 (UNI) Chandru, the father of 26-year-old Poornachandra who died in the stampede during the RCB victory celebrations near Chinnaswamy Stadium, today accused the Karnataka government of "gross negligence", even as the state administration continued to deny responsibility for the June 4 disaster which claimed 11 lives.

"This tragedy occurred solely due to the government's failure," Chandru told reporters after being summoned by the authorities. "There was no crowd control, no security, no ambulances — not even a facility for artificial respiration. Had there been emergency medical help, my son could have survived."

Despite mounting outrage, the government has refused to acknowledge any administrative failure on its part. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called the stampede an "accident" and urged people not to politicise the matter.

Chandru, who received a formal notice to appear before the magistrate, questioned the government's intentions. "What should I even say now? My only son is gone. Will they bring him back? The government tells us to obey — but do they care about our loss?" he asked in a trembling voice.

Poornachandra, a site engineer, was the family's only breadwinner. Chandru said the lack of preparedness at the venue showed a complete disregard for public safety. "We couldn’t even carry him properly from the crowd. He was 26, and my only support. What have we been left with?"

Condemning the government's attempt to deflect blame, he said, "They’re now trying to put this on the police or junior officials. But who authorised this event? Who was responsible for the planning and safety measures?"

He also made an emotional appeal to the local Taluk officer. "Please speak the truth and console the families. Most of us have only one child. When that one life is lost, we are left in permanent darkness. The government must assure that such a thing will never happen again," he said.

Chandru further warned that unless preventive steps are taken, future public events could lead to similar tragedies. "If big celebrity programmes are to be organised, strict safety protocols must be in place. You cannot let poor families suffer for someone else's show," he said.

Meanwhile, the Opposition BJP has stepped up pressure on the state government, launching massive protests and demanding the resignation of Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. UNI BDN SSP