Following the tragic stampede at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL victory celebrations, a fresh First Information Report (FIR) has been filed accusing RCB, along with event organizers DNA Entertainment Networks and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), of negligence. The FIR, lodged by a victim of the stampede, alleges serious lapses in planning and execution that led to the catastrophic event, which resulted in 11 deaths and numerous injuries.
The Cubbon Park Police registered the FIR, citing multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, voluntarily causing hurt, and unlawful assembly. The complaint, filed by Police Inspector Girish A.K., states that the organizers' actions violated public safety protocols and resulted in serious consequences.
According to the FIR, KSCA approached the police on June 3, even before the final match, seeking permission to hold a celebratory event at the stadium on June 4 evening if RCB won. The police denied permission due to concerns over large crowds and security risks. The FIR claims that KSCA was insistent on holding the event despite these concerns, and RCB and DNA Entertainment went ahead with announcing the celebrations on June 4, leading to the stampede and deaths.
The FIR further states that RCB, KSCA, and DNA managements created confusion among lakhs of fans by not providing correct information on passes and free entry, resulting in pushing and chaos. The announcement by RCB on their official website that free passes would be distributed at the gates for the public is cited as the reason for the massive gathering.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Karnataka government has taken several actions. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the suspension of Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda and other police officials responsible for the jurisdiction where the stadium is located, pending inquiry. A judicial inquiry has also been ordered, headed by former Karnataka High Court judge Michael D'Cunha. The government has also informed the High Court that the probe into the case would be handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The High Court of Karnataka has taken suo motu cognizance of the stampede and has directed the state government to file a status report on the incident. Notices will be issued to KSCA, RCB, and others to join the inquiry.
In response to the tragedy, RCB has announced financial assistance of ₹10 lakh to each of the families of the deceased and has created a fund called RCB Cares to support fans injured in the incident.
Bengaluru city police have arrested Nikhil Sosale, the marketing head of the RCB management, and Sunil Mathew and Kiran Kumar from the event management company DNA. They are currently being interrogated at Cubbon Park Police Station.
The incident has raised serious questions about the planning and execution of public events and the measures taken to ensure public safety. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited as the SIT delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding the stampede.