In the aftermath of the tragic stampede outside Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, which resulted in 11 fatalities and injuries to dozens more, a magisterial probe has been launched, and notices are set to be issued to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). The probe aims to determine the extent of responsibility for the event's mismanagement and poor crowd control.
The incident occurred during a celebratory event organized to mark Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) IPL victory. Initial reports suggest that a massive crowd, estimated to be between 2 to 3 lakh people, gathered outside the stadium, far exceeding its 35,000 seating capacity. As fans surged towards the stadium gates, a barricade broke, leading to a chaotic stampede.
Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner G. Jagadeesha, who is leading the inquiry, confirmed that notices would be issued to the KSCA, RCB, the event manager, and the Police Commissioner as part of the investigation. The inquiry will focus on the sequence of events, identify any lapses in planning or execution, and determine who should be held accountable. The Deputy Commissioner has been given 15 days to submit a comprehensive report to the state government.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed his grief over the incident, calling it an "unexpected tragedy." He has announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased and has pledged that the government will cover the medical expenses for the injured. Additionally, KSCA and RCB would jointly provide ₹5 lakh compensation to the family members of each of the deceased.
Amidst the outpouring of grief and concern, questions have been raised regarding the planning and execution of the event. Karnataka's Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated that the government merely facilitated the event at the request of RCB and the KSCA. However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that the government did not make any specific requests and simply joined the celebrations because it involved a Bengaluru team. IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had no information that such an event was being planned.
An FIR has been registered with no named accused, and an Unnatural Death Report (UDR) has also been filed. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has lodged a complaint with the Bengaluru Police Commissioner, demanding an FIR against the KSCA, alleging negligence, lack of crowd control, and mismanagement.
The Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the stampede, indicating the seriousness with which the matter is being treated. The court has directed the Advocate General to obtain instructions from the State Government regarding the deaths. The state government has also announced that it will formulate a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for mega-events and celebrations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
