The aftermath of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) recent IPL victory has been marred by tragedy and controversy. Meanwhile, in Manipur, simmering tensions have boiled over, with protesters resorting to desperate measures.
Karnataka Police Warned Against RCB Event
The Karnataka Police are under scrutiny following a deadly stampede during RCB's victory celebrations in Bengaluru. A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed, naming RCB, the event organizer DNA Entertainment, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) as the primary accused. The charges stem from allegations that these entities ignored safety advisories ahead of the public event held at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4.
Tragically, the event, intended to celebrate RCB's long-awaited IPL title, turned deadly when a crowd exceeding 250,000 people gathered near the venue, far surpassing its 35,000-person capacity. The resulting stampede claimed the lives of 11 fans and injured 33 others. The FIR alleges that despite repeated warnings from local authorities, RCB and its partners insisted on proceeding without adequate safety protocols or crowd management systems. A police inspector from Cubbon Park Police Station stated that the organizations "did not agree to the suggestion" of scaling down the celebrations and "insisted on going ahead." The report cites a lack of entry planning and ineffective public communication as contributing factors to the disaster.
Adding to the controversy, it has emerged that senior police officers had warned the Karnataka government about the risks of holding a felicitation event at the Vidhana Soudha. A letter written on the day of the tragedy by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) MN Karibasavana Gowda cautioned top bureaucrats about possible overcrowding and lack of security. The letter emphasized that the area lacked proper CCTV coverage and was a sensitive government zone. Despite these warnings, the event received official clearance. Bengaluru Police have confirmed the arrest of RCB's marketing and revenue head, Nikhil Sosale, in connection with the incident. Furthermore, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered the suspension of Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda and several other senior officers, citing serious lapses in planning and coordination.
Manipur Protesters Threaten Self-Immolation
The northeastern state of Manipur is on edge following renewed protests and escalating tensions. Demonstrations erupted in Imphal, the state's capital, after the arrest of Kanan Singh, a leader of the Arambai Tenggol (AT), a Meitei community volunteer group. The protests turned violent, with young men pouring petrol on themselves and threatening self-immolation. One protester was heard saying, "We gave up our weapons. We helped during the floods like we were supposed to. Now you're arresting us. We'll end our lives."
The arrest of Kanan Singh is believed to be connected to ongoing investigations into violent incidents linked to ethnic militias. He is suspected of orchestrating an attack on a senior police officer's residence and the officer's subsequent kidnapping in February 2024. Singh had previously served as a head constable in a state police commando unit but was suspended for "dereliction of duty" before joining the AT.
In response to the unrest, authorities have imposed a curfew and suspended internet services for five days across five districts: Bishnupur, Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, and Kakching. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is simultaneously probing multiple cases involving the AT and its chief, Korounganba Khuman. Tensions remain high, with security forces deployed to control the situation.
