A devastating stampede broke out outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium as thousands of fans gathered to celebrate Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) historic IPL win. The massive crowd overwhelmed security, leading to a tragic incident where 11 people lost their lives, and many others were injured.
Chaos at Chinnaswamy Stadium
Fans had flocked to the stadium to welcome RCB after their first-ever IPL trophy victory in 18 years. However, the situation quickly spiraled out of control as the crowd swelled beyond expectations. Witnesses reported scenes of panic—people gasping for air, struggling to move, and even falling over each other as the stadium gates collapsed under pressure.
The Karnataka government had organized a grand felicitation for RCB, including an event at the stadium. However, authorities canceled the victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to the stadium due to security concerns. Despite this, an overwhelming crowd of nearly 2-3 lakh people gathered outside Chinnaswamy Stadium, far exceeding its 35,000 capacity.
Government’s Response & Compensation
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed shock at the unexpected turnout, stating, “We anticipated a crowd matching the stadium’s capacity, but over two lakh people arrived. No one—neither the cricket association nor the government—foresaw this tragedy.”
The government announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased and free treatment for the injured. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar called the crowd “uncontrollable” and apologized for the mismanagement, adding, “We deployed over 5,000 personnel, but this was a young, energetic crowd—we couldn’t resort to force.”
RCB’s Reaction & IPL Chairman’s Statement
Amid the chaos outside, celebrations continued inside the stadium, including fireworks. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal later admitted that officials inside were unaware of the crisis unfolding outside. “Once informed, RCB assured us they would wrap up quickly. This is a heartbreaking incident,” he said.
RCB released an official statement expressing grief: “We are deeply anguished by the tragic incidents during today’s gatherings. Safety is our top priority, and we extend our condolences to the affected families. We followed local authorities’ guidance and urge fans to stay safe.”
Political Fallout & Demands for Accountability
The Karnataka BJP has demanded an investigation into the lapses that led to the stampede, calling for accountability from the government and event organizers.
This tragic incident has cast a shadow over RCB’s long-awaited triumph, raising serious questions about crowd management during large-scale public celebrations.
