In the aftermath of the June 4 Bengaluru stampede that left 11 dead and several injured, Karnataka Director-General and Inspector-General of Police M A Saleem has issued standard operating procedures (SOP) to improve crowd management during large events and mass gatherings across the state.
In an order released on June 26, Saleem instructed police units to conduct simulations and risk assessments before events. These include spatial analysis to identify bottlenecks and high-risk areas, alongside mandatory safety audits of venues. Saleem made it clear that events failing safety audits should not receive approval.
The SOPs emphasise robust coordination with event organisers, requiring details like expected crowd size, event nature, assembly and dispersal plans, and the availability of emergency services. Saleem directed police officials to prepare thorough crowd management plans, assigning clear roles, defining movement control protocols, and developing emergency response strategies.
The deployment of adequately trained personnel, effective entry screening, queue management systems, signage, and reliable communication infrastructure is now mandatory. A defined command structure must also be established to ensure efficient on-ground operations. For emergency preparedness, Saleem ordered that emergency response plans be drafted and drills conducted in advance. Training sessions are also required to ensure operational readiness during events.
The SOPs include a specific protocol for crowd dispersal, with Saleem urging officers to use force only when “absolutely necessary and in the minimum required quantity”. He instructed police to avoid mass arrests unless legally justified and emphasised proper documentation and adherence to arrest procedures when required.