Following the tragic stampede in Bengaluru on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, during celebrations for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL victory, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a magisterial inquiry into the incident. The stampede, which occurred near the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulted in 11 deaths and 33 injuries, prompting widespread grief and concern.
Siddaramaiah expressed his shock and sorrow, stating that the "pain of this tragedy has erased the joy of victory." He acknowledged that the government did not anticipate the massive turnout, with estimates ranging from 2 to 3 lakh people, far exceeding the stadium's capacity of 35,000. "We or KSCA did not expect such a huge crowd," he said, adding that they had only anticipated a footfall of 35,000 with a few more.
The Chief Minister has announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased and assured free medical treatment for the injured. He also stated that the inquiry would be conducted by an IAS officer, and strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible for lapses. "We will take action against those who have committed lapses," Siddaramaiah affirmed.
The incident has sparked a political debate, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the Congress-led state government of "criminal negligence" and "administrative failure". BJP leaders have alleged a lack of crowd control measures and have demanded a judicial probe, holding the Chief Minister accountable. Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra criticized the "haste" to hold the victory parade and alleged that the event was an "unplanned publicity stunt" held without adequate police presence or ambulance facilities.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar defended the government, stating that they had shortened the program to just 10 minutes and were working to restore normalcy. He also urged the public to remain calm and prioritize safety. "Let our pride and passion always bring joy, not risk. Life is above all. I urge everyone to stay safe and reach home safely," Shivakumar posted on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, calling the incident "absolutely heart-rending" and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.
The magisterial inquiry is expected to investigate the circumstances leading to the stampede, including crowd management measures, event planning, and security arrangements. The Chief Minister has given a 15-day timeline for the inquiry to be completed. Siddaramaiah emphasized that the government is prioritizing relief efforts and is committed to ensuring justice and support for those affected by the tragedy.
