The Karnataka government is facing intense scrutiny following a stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on June 4, 2025, during celebrations for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL victory, which resulted in 11 deaths and numerous injuries. A senior police officer's warning note, highlighting security risks associated with the event, has surfaced, intensifying the controversy surrounding the government's decision to proceed with the celebrations.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) MN Karibasavana Gowda, who oversees security at the Vidhana Soudha, issued a written warning to top bureaucrats on the morning of June 4, cautioning against holding a felicitation event at the Vidhana Soudha due to potential overcrowding and inadequate security measures. In his letter to G Sathyavathi, Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, Gowda stated that "lakhs of cricket fans are likely to come to Vidhana Soudha," and pointed out the shortage of security personnel. He also highlighted the venue's sensitive status and lack of adequate CCTV coverage. Despite these concerns, permissions were granted, and the event proceeded as planned.
According to sources, Gowda's warning was also shared with the then Bengaluru police commissioner B Dayananda, who in turn, flagged it to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh. However, the event was not called off. This revelation has sparked a political storm, with opposition parties demanding accountability from the government for allegedly disregarding the safety concerns raised by the police.
Adding fuel to the fire, Union Minister and JD(S) functionary HD Kumaraswamy alleged that the celebrations were "pre-planned" even before RCB won the IPL final. He pointed out that the FIR states permission for the event was sought on June 3, just 90 minutes before the final match began, questioning whether the government was presumptuous about RCB's victory.
The police had reportedly suggested a full city victory parade to manage the crowds by keeping the team moving through different areas of Bengaluru. However, this proposal was rejected by the organizers and the state government. Police also advised caution and suggested delaying the event to allow emotions to cool down and to provide more time for planning and preparation. This advice was also ignored.
The Karnataka High Court has taken cognizance of the incident and has posed nine questions to the state government, seeking answers by June 10. These questions include who authorized the RCB victory celebration event, when and how the decision was made, what measures were taken to control traffic and manage the crowd, and what medical and emergency facilities were available on-site. The court has also questioned the existence of a standard operating procedure (SOP) for managing large gatherings at sporting events.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Karnataka government suspended several police officers, including Bengaluru police commissioner B Dayananda. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) also accepted the resignations of two of its senior officials, Secretary A Shankar and Treasurer E S Jairam, who took moral responsibility for the incident. The Bengaluru police have registered an FIR against RCB, KSCA, and event manager DNA Network for culpable homicide, voluntarily causing hurt, and unlawful assembly. An RCB marketing head and a senior executive of DNA Network have been arrested. The Chief Minister has announced a judicial inquiry to be headed by retired Karnataka High Court judge Michael D'Cunha.
