At least 11 people lost their lives and 47 others were injured in a stampede that occurred near Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium during celebrations for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) IPL victory. The victims are all under 40 years old, with the youngest being just 13 years old. Among the deceased are three teenagers and six people aged between 20 and 30.

Thousands had gathered to celebrate RCB’s first IPL trophy win after 18 years. Many fans came with friends from Bengaluru and nearby districts. However, what started as a joyous event soon turned tragic when the large crowd overwhelmed the security arrangements.

The stadium, which holds about 35,000 people, was flooded by over 3 lakh fans. The rush led to chaos and a deadly stampede, as security struggled to control the massive crowd.

Experts and officials pointed to hasty planning and poor preparations as key reasons behind the disaster. The state government’s decision to hold a separate reception at the Vidhana Soudha, attended by high-profile leaders including Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, also complicated security.

With a large police force deployed at the Vidhana Soudha to handle VIP security, fewer officers were available at the stadium, making crowd control difficult.

Police had denied permission for victory parade

Bengaluru police had reportedly refused permission for a victory parade due to security concerns. Despite this, the Karnataka State Cricket Association and RCB organizers went ahead with the event. Around 3:14 pm, RCB announced free entry on a “first come, first serve” basis, leading to a massive surge of fans.

The sudden announcement caused confusion, as many rushed to enter the stadium. Some tried to climb gates and push through barricades, causing panic. Several people fell and were trampled in the crowd.

CM offers compensation, responds to criticism

Following the tragedy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a press conference offering compensation to families of the deceased and free medical treatment for those injured. He expressed regret but avoided direct criticism of the event organizers.

“Such incidents happened in so many places. I am not going to defend this by comparing it with them now, by saying it happened here and there. In Kumbh Mela, 50-60 people died, but I didn’t criticise it. If Congress criticises, then that is a different matter. Did I or the Karnataka government criticise?” he said.

Veteran BJP leader Pralhad Joshi sharply criticized the state government, accusing it of avoiding responsibility and mishandling the situation.

“Kumbh and this is incomparable. When police denied permission, why did you force them? My second question to Siddaramaiah is, after the deaths, you continue your celebration? Why did Deputy Chief Minister (DK Shivakumar) go to receive them? They are busy with selfies, nobody is bothered about what has happened to the common man,” he said.

He called for a judicial inquiry and condemned the government’s actions. “No one was taking selfies at Kumbh. This is highly condemnable,” Joshi added.

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