The city of Bengaluru is in mourning following a tragic stampede that occurred on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, during celebrations for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) Indian Premier League (IPL) victory. The incident, which took place outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people and injuries to dozens more.
The tragedy has prompted widespread grief and concern, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his condolences via social media. "The mishap in Bengaluru is absolutely heartrending," he stated. "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."
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased. Speaking to reporters after visiting the injured in the hospital, he said, "A grave tragedy has occurred," and emphasized that such an event should not have happened. He also assured that free treatment would be provided to those injured. According to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while the stadium has a capacity of 35,000 people, an estimated 2-3 lakh people had gathered outside.
Eyewitness accounts and initial reports suggest that the stampede was triggered by a temporary slab placed over a drain near the stadium collapsing under the weight of the crowd. This led to panic and a chaotic rush, resulting in numerous casualties. Adding to the confusion, conflicting information regarding the victory parade contributed to the massive gathering at the stadium.
The incident has also sparked political reactions, with the BJP criticizing the Congress-led state government for alleged mismanagement and lack of preparedness. BJP President BY Vijayendra called the event an "unplanned publicity stunt" and demanded a judicial probe into the matter. Similarly, former CM Basavaraja Bommai has called for a high-level probe into the tragedy, stating that the government hastily organized the event without proper planning.
In the wake of the stampede, Royal Challengers Bengaluru released an official statement expressing deep condolences. "We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team's arrival this afternoon," the statement read. "The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us. RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families." The team also stated that they promptly amended their program upon being made aware of the situation, following the guidance of the local administration.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has also announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased, emphasizing that this gesture is intended to provide support and solidarity during this challenging time.
As investigations continue, questions are being raised about the planning and execution of the victory celebrations, particularly regarding crowd control measures and security arrangements. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of comprehensive safety protocols when organizing large-scale public events.
