On June 4, 2025, a jubilant celebration in Bengaluru turned tragic when a massive crowd gathered outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to honor Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) victory. The event culminated in a stampede that claimed at least 11 lives and injured over 50 individuals.
Sequence of Events
The RCB victory parade was scheduled to commence at 3:30 PM from Vidhana Soudha, proceeding to the stadium. However, delays led to a rescheduling, and by the time the team arrived, an estimated crowd of two to three lakh people had assembled, far exceeding the stadium's 35,000-seat capacity.
Chaos ensued when a rumor spread about free passes being distributed at Gate No. 7, prompting a surge of fans toward that entrance. The situation deteriorated as individuals without passes attempted to breach the gates, leading to congestion and clashes. Police efforts to control the crowd, including the use of caning, reportedly exacerbated the situation.
Aftermath and Reactions
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep sorrow over the incident, acknowledging that neither the state government nor the Karnataka State Cricket Association anticipated such a massive turnout. He visited injured victims at local hospitals and confirmed that most casualties were young students. The government has committed to providing free treatment and transportation for those hospitalized.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) acknowledged possible organizational failings and emphasized the need for thorough planning in handling large events. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia urged accountability from local authorities, comparing the incident to a successfully managed celebration in Mumbai the previous year.
Prominent cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh, extended condolences, calling the incident heartbreaking. RCB's Virat Kohli expressed deep sorrow, stating he was "absolutely gutted."
Calls for Accountability
The tragedy has sparked widespread criticism over crowd management and safety protocols. Opposition parties have called for a judicial inquiry into the handling of the event. The incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures and effective crowd control strategies during large-scale public gatherings.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring such a tragedy does not recur, emphasizing the paramount importance of public safety in celebratory events.
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