Following the tragic stampede outside Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, which resulted in 11 deaths and numerous injuries, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered the arrest of representatives from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), event management firm DNA Entertainment, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). The chief minister has accused these entities of negligence in managing the event, which was held to celebrate RCB's recent IPL victory.
An FIR has already been filed against RCB, DNA Entertainment, and KSCA at the Cubbon Park Police Station, citing criminal negligence. The FIR alleges that the organizers were aware of the risks associated with holding such a large event but failed to implement adequate crowd management measures. The case has now been handed over to the Crime Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.
The state government is facing increasing criticism for the incident, with the opposition BJP holding them "squarely responsible" for the tragedy. BJP state president Vijayendra Yediyurappa accused the Congress government of turning a celebration into a "catastrophe" through its "gross negligence," pointing out the lack of crowd management and police preparedness despite the presence of over two lakh fans. He also criticized the Chief Minister and other cabinet members for engaging in photo sessions while reports of deaths and injuries were already emerging. The BJP is demanding a judicial probe by a sitting High Court judge and compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the families of each deceased victim.
In response to the tragedy, the state government has taken immediate action, including suspending top police officials such as the city police commissioner. A magisterial inquiry, led by Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner G Jagadeesha, has been ordered, and notices will be issued to KSCA, RCB, and the police commissioner to join the inquiry. The Karnataka High Court has also intervened, directing the state government to submit a status report explaining the reasons for the stampede, whether it could have been prevented, and what remedial measures can be adopted in the future.
RCB has stated that they will fully cooperate with all legal proceedings and government authorities. The franchise has also announced financial aid of ₹10 lakh to each victim's family and launched the 'RCB Cares' fund for the injured.
The incident has raised serious questions about the planning and execution of large-scale public events and the accountability of organizers and government officials. As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing support to the victims and their families and ensuring that such tragedies are prevented in the future.
