Photo courtesy @SridharDPS|X
Joy to Grief: Bengaluru Stampede Overshadows RCB’s Glory
Bengaluru: A wave of celebration over Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) historic first Indian Premier League (IPL) victory was eclipsed by tragedy this afternoon when a stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and injured 47 others. The chaos erupted around 4:45 PM IST near Gate No. 1, as an estimated 2 to 3 lakh fans, far surpassing the stadium’s 35,000 capacity, surged to see the team after their six-run victory over Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final in Ahmedabad on June 3, 2025.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the number of people and fans gathered was “beyond our expectations”. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) had organised the event at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium, while a state-led ceremony at Vidhana Soudha, attended by over one lakh fans, unfolded peacefully, he noted.
The RCB players, including captain Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and the entire squad, were confirmed safe throughout the incident, remaining secure inside the stadium during the stampede. They arrived in Bengaluru at 11:30 AM via a special flight at HAL Airport, where Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar greeted them with bouquets and handed Kohli the RCB and Kannada flags. The team then travelled by bus to Vidhana Soudha, where Chief Minister Siddaramaiah honoured them at 4:00 PM with traditional Kannada gestures, presenting Mysuru petas, shawls, and garlands. A planned open-bus victory parade to Chinnaswamy Stadium was cancelled due to security concerns, and the players instead journeyed directly by bus, reaching the stadium around 4:30 PM. Safely inside, protected by security personnel, they began a fan engagement session with victory laps and trophy displays, unaware of the tragedy unfolding at the gates.
Before the stampede, Bengaluru buzzed with fervent excitement. From midday, thousands of fans, clad in RCB colours, thronged the streets around the stadium, waving flags and chanting for stars like Kohli and du Plessis. The crowd, far exceeding the expected 40,000, grew increasingly restless near Gate No. 1, with some climbing gates and trees to catch a glimpse of the team. Despite 5,000 police personnel deployed, the sheer volume overwhelmed security, and a temporary structure near the gate collapsed under pressure, sparking panic and triggering the deadly stampede at 4:45 PM. Witnesses described a frantic scene, with fans pushing through narrow entry points, some falling and being crushed in the chaos.
The aftermath was steeped in sorrow and disorder. By 4:50 PM, Shivakumar, present at the stadium, ordered an immediate halt to the event, stating: “I can’t confirm the numbers yet I’m going to stadium now. Lot of emotional fans we had deployed 5000 people too. The team has extended their condolences… I went to the team immediately and gave them direction that this programme should be stopped within 10 minutes… the team agreed and within 5 minutes, they stopped the programme.”
The players, informed of the tragedy, promptly ceased activities and were safely escorted to their hotel by 6:30 PM under heightened security, ensuring their protection throughout. Outside, police struggled to restore order, using mild force to disperse crowds as ambulances rushed the injured to Bowring and Vaidehi hospitals, where six and four deaths were recorded, respectively. Rain-soaked streets, littered with abandoned belongings and broken barricades, added to the grim atmosphere.
Social media platforms, particularly X, became a space for raw public sentiment, reflecting a mix of grief, outrage, and calls for accountability. Fans expressed heartbreak over the loss of lives, with one user writing, “RCB’s victory was our pride, but this tragedy is our shame.” Others vented frustration at the authorities, with posts like “One parade, no planning, now funerals,” capturing widespread anger over inadequate crowd management. Some mourned the young victims, sharing sentiments like “Children lost to a celebration—unthinkable pain for families.” Calls for stricter safety measures echoed across platforms, with users urging, “No more lives for celebrations,” while others praised the swift response of emergency services but questioned why preventive measures failed, amplifying demands for justice and better planning.
Siddaramaiah, addressing the press, expressed grief, particularly for young victims, including a 13-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, announcing Rs. 10 lakh compensation for each deceased family and free treatment for the injured, who were reported stable. He ordered a magisterial inquiry, with findings due within 15 days, stating, “A major tragedy occurred during the victory celebrations. It happened near the Chinnaswamy Stadium. No one expected this crowd.” He informed that he visited Bowring Hospital and Vaidehi Hospital to inquire about the health of the injured and consoled those who lost their loved ones.
“Such a tragedy should not have happened during the celebrations. We are deeply saddened by this incident. Most of the deceased are young,” he told mediapersons and quoted doctors saying the injured were out of danger.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a heartfelt X post, expressed his sorrow: “The mishap in Bengaluru is absolutely heartrending. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those who are injured have a speedy recovery: PM @narendramodi.”
Congress leaders echoed the grief. Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge, who himself hails from Karnataka, expressed deep sadness over the loss, while the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, calling it “heartbreaking,” urged rigorous safety measures, stating, “No celebration is worth a human life.”
Shivakumar, on X, wrote: “Those who came to witness RCB’s IPL victory celebrations have been struck by tragedy and loss, bringing deep pain and shock. My condolences to the deceased. Let there be pride, but not bigger than life.” The Karnataka BJP accused the Congress government of negligence, with Bharat Shetty citing failures in planning, B.Y. Vijayendra demanding a judicial probe and referencing better-managed events like Mumbai’s T20 parade, and Amit Malviya labelling it gross mismanagement. H.D. Kumaraswamy and Nikhil Kumaraswamy called for accountability, decrying inadequate preparations. National Human Rights Commission member Priyank Kanoongo vowed that those responsible would face justice.
RCB issued a statement: “We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents… The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us. RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extends our heartfelt condolences.” Virat Kohli, on X, shared: “Devastated to hear about the tragic stampede in Bengaluru. My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones. Wishing strength and a speedy recovery to the injured.” Former India captain and RCB player Anil Kumble wrote: “It’s a Sad day for Cricket! My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives… Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
BCCI officials noted initial unawareness inside the M. Chinnaswamy stadium, with IPL chairman Arun Dhumal stating the tragedy caught officials off guard. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia acknowledged security shortcomings, while a former chairman of the Indian Premier League, Rajeev Shukla, urged unity over politicisation. Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed condolences, as did President Droupadi Murmu, who described the event at Chinnaswamy Stadium as deeply distressing. Former Director General of Police Dr. Vikram Singh called the tragedy preventable, urging better crowd management.
As Bengaluru mourns, the loss has cast a long shadow over RCB’s triumph, prompting urgent calls for enhanced safety measures at public events.
– global bihari bureau
