The tragic stampede in Bengaluru on June 4, 2025, during celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) first-ever IPL victory, has resulted in the filing of 11 First Information Reports (FIRs) related to unnatural deaths. As investigations intensify, authorities are working to determine the exact causes and contributing factors that led to the devastating incident that claimed the lives of 11 people and injured over 30 others.
The incident occurred near the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where thousands of fans had gathered to celebrate RCB's historic win. Initial reports suggest that a sudden surge in the crowd, combined with rumors of free tickets and exacerbated by sudden rainfall, created a chaotic situation. Eyewitnesses reported poor crowd management and a delay in decisions regarding a victory parade as contributing factors. Gate No. 7 of the stadium became a focal point of panic as fans scrambled for entry.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed deep sorrow over the incident, announcing ₹10 lakh as compensation to the families of the deceased and ordering a magisterial inquiry into the incident, to be led by senior IAS officer G. Jagadeesha. The inquiry is expected to be completed within 15 days, with a focus on identifying lapses and responsible individuals. The Chief Minister has also assured free treatment for the injured.
Several factors appear to have contributed to the tragedy. Overcrowding was a significant issue, with estimates suggesting that 200,000 to 300,000 people gathered outside the stadium, which has a capacity of only 35,000. Police sources also cited the distribution of free passes and confusion over the victory parade as contributing factors. The announcement and subsequent cancellation of the victory parade added to the confusion, leading many fans to converge on the stadium in hopes of gaining entry.
The police have stated that the crowd was beyond their control, and they had to resort to a lathi charge at some points. However, the narrow stadium gates and the immense pressure of the crowd made it difficult to manage the situation effectively. Some fans even attempted to climb over barriers and gates to enter the stadium, further escalating the chaos.
Political leaders across party lines have expressed their condolences and called for thorough investigations. The opposition BJP has criticized the state government for alleged lapses in planning and has demanded a judicial probe into the incident. AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) has also filed a complaint against the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), seeking an FIR for alleged negligence that led to the stampede.
The Bengaluru stampede serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper crowd management and safety measures at large public events. As investigations continue, authorities will need to address the systemic issues that contributed to this tragedy to prevent similar incidents in the future. The findings of the magisterial inquiry will be crucial in determining accountability and implementing necessary changes to ensure the safety of fans and the public at large.
