A victim of the Bengaluru stampede has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and DNA Entertainment Networks, the event management company responsible for organizing the IPL victory celebrations. The stampede, which occurred on Wednesday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulted in 11 deaths and numerous injuries, triggering widespread outrage and demands for accountability.
The FIR, filed by an individual who sustained injuries in the incident, alleges negligence on the part of RCB, KSCA, and DNA Entertainment Networks in ensuring the safety and well-being of attendees. The complainant, who reportedly fractured his right shoulder joint in the stampede, asserts that the organizers failed to implement adequate crowd control measures and provide necessary facilities, leading to the tragic outcome.
This marks the second FIR registered in connection with the stampede. The first FIR, filed on Thursday, also named RCB, DNA Entertainment Networks, and KSCA, citing culpable homicide, illegal assembly, and other serious charges. These charges reflect the gravity of the situation and the potential legal ramifications for those deemed responsible.
The police had initially denied permission for the victory celebrations, citing concerns about managing large crowds and ensuring security. However, it is alleged that RCB, DNA, and KSCA exerted pressure to hold the event despite these reservations. Furthermore, RCB is accused of unilaterally announcing a victory parade on social media, attracting a massive crowd to the stadium area.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Karnataka government has taken swift action, suspending Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda and other senior police officials for lapses in crowd management. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident, led by retired Karnataka High Court judge Michael D'Cunha, to determine the causes of the stampede and identify those accountable.
Adding to the repercussions, a top marketing official of RCB and three individuals from DNA Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. have been arrested in connection with the incident. They are currently under interrogation. Additionally, the Chief Minister's political secretary, K. Govindaraj, was removed from his post.
RCB has announced financial assistance of ₹10 lakh each for the families of the deceased and has launched a relief initiative called "RCB Cares" to support the injured. The KSCA has also announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh each to the bereaved families. The state government has announced ₹10 lakh ex gratia for each of the deceased families.
The Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the stampede, directing the state government to submit a status report detailing the causes of the incident and measures taken to prevent such occurrences in the future. The government has assured the court that the investigation will be handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The Bengaluru stampede has raised serious questions about safety protocols, crowd management, and accountability in large-scale public events. As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on providing justice to the victims and their families, and implementing measures to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.
