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In a move to minimise risks at large public gatherings and ensure crowd safety, the Karnataka police have issued a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing events such as festivals, rallies, and sports celebrations. The new SOP, issued by Director General and Inspector General of Police MA Saleem on June 26, outlines a uniform framework for planning, deployment and execution of crowd control measures across the state.
The directive comes in the wake of the deadly stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed 11 lives during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebrations earlier in June. As TNM had earlier reported, the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy revealed a disturbing mix of poor planning, lack of coordination, last-minute indecision over allowing a victory parade and widespread rumours of free passes, all of which turned the celebration into a death trap.
The SOP stresses that police responses at public events must prioritise safety of life, protect individual rights, prevent property damage, and focus on de-escalation. “Modern gatherings are often spontaneous and influenced by social media, necessitating adaptive strategies. Early planning, coordination with stakeholders, and minimal use of force are essential guiding principles,” the SOP states.
Under pre-event planning, officers are instructed to carry out behavioural and spatial simulations to assess crowd movement and identify risk-prone areas. Risk assessments and venue safety audits are part of this. Venues that do not meet safety standards, such as those lacking adequate entry and exit points or evacuation plans, will not be cleared for high-footfall events.
Police must coordinate closely with event organisers to obtain critical details such as the nature and timing of the event, expected footfall, history of similar gatherings, and, when applicable, the likelihood of counter-protests. They must also assess the permit status, availability of emergency services, and risks to nearby vital installations.
On-ground deployment requires that trained personnel be stationed at key access points, exits, and high-density zones. Entry screening must include holding areas, metal detectors, QR code scanning or biometric systems and separate lanes for VIPs, the general public, and staff. Queue management protocols, including barricades, floor markings, and real-time wait time updates, must be implemented. Special access lanes should be designated for persons with disabilities.
Directional signage and barricades are to be used for guiding crowds, and all emergency exits must be clearly marked and kept unobstructed. Public Address (PA) systems must be installed at key points and centrally controlled. Ambulance parking areas and the event control room must be connected via PA systems to ensure that medical teams can respond swiftly to announcements.
The SOP mandates a clear command structure. Officers must be assigned to specific zones such as entry, exit, and crowd flow. There must be a designated police official in charge of the particular event. This police official will be responsible for developing and circulating a written operational plan, approved by the Commissioner or Superintendent of Police. This plan should include personnel deployment, weather assessment, transportation arrangements, liaison with other departments and media protocols.
Emergency preparedness is a key focus. Officers must anticipate and plan for potential crises such as fires, stampedes, or severe weather. Regular simulation drills must be conducted, and first responders must be assigned defined roles for each scenario.
During the event, “officers are to avoid confrontation or provocation”, as per the SOP. They are advised to avoid unnecessary engagement with protestors unless required and to allow local residents and workers access unless it poses a risk. Unit officers must monitor field personnel continuously.
The guidelines explicitly instruct officers to explore dialogue and non-coercive measures before attempting dispersal. If dispersal is necessary, officers must issue three structured warnings, identify available exit routes and record these actions through audiovisual means. “Use force only when absolutely necessary and in minimum required quantity. Avoid indiscriminate or mass arrests unless legally and operationally warranted,” the SOP states.
Designated arrest teams must inform detainees of charges, document evidence, and provide medical aid if required. All procedures must be recorded to ensure transparency.
Oversight and post-event review
Logs of key decisions, warnings issued, crowd behaviour and any use of force must be maintained. “Record crowd activity through audio/video for accountability and evidence. Conduct post-event reviews to improve future operations,” the SOP further states.
The officers are directed to follow the relevant provisions of Chapter IV (police regulations) of the Karnataka Police Act; Chapters 25 and 26 of the Police Manual; and Chapter 9 (security for keeping the peace and for good behaviour) and 11 (maintenance of public order and tranquillity) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.