The Karnataka High Court is set to hear a case today regarding the stampede that occurred near Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebrations. The court has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident, with the hearing scheduled for 2:30 PM today.
The tragic event unfolded on June 4, 2025, amidst massive crowds that had gathered to celebrate RCB's maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) triumph. The victory, which ended an 18-year wait for fans, drew an overwhelming number of people to the stadium area. Initial reports indicate that the stampede resulted in 11 fatalities and left over 40 individuals injured.
Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating online depict chaotic scenes, with people gasping for air and collapsing as police struggled to manage the surging crowd outside the stadium. The situation reportedly spiralled out of control due to overcrowding and confusion surrounding free passes and the cancellation of a planned victory parade.
In response to the tragedy, the Karnataka government has initiated multiple actions. A magisterial probe, led by senior IAS officer G. Jagadeesha, has been ordered to investigate the causes and sequence of events, as well as to identify any lapses or responsible individuals. The inquiry is expected to be completed within 15 days. Furthermore, the government has announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the family of each deceased victim and has pledged to provide free treatment for the injured. The planned victory parade has also been cancelled in light of the incident.
Political reactions have been swift, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanding a judicial probe into the stampede. BJP leaders have criticized the Congress-led state government for alleged security lapses and a lack of preparedness in managing the large crowds. They argue that the government prioritized publicity over the safety of fans during the victory celebrations. Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy echoed these concerns, asserting that the state government should take full responsibility for the incident due to inadequate planning and precautionary measures.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also weighed in on the matter, expressing shock and stating that the organizers should have been better prepared for the victory celebrations. BCCI officials emphasized the need for proper precautions and security measures when organizing large-scale events of this nature.
The Karnataka High Court's decision to take suo motu cognisance of the stampede underscores the severity of the incident and the need for a thorough investigation. The court has directed the Advocate General to gather instructions from the State Government regarding the deaths that occurred. As the hearing approaches, all eyes are on the High Court as it seeks to address the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and ensure accountability.
