The aftermath of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebration, marred by a tragic stampede and subsequent damage to Cubbon Park, has triggered a wave of criticism and demands for accountability. A citizens' group in Bengaluru has formally sought action against the Karnataka government and the RCB franchise, alleging negligence and destruction of public property during the event. This call for accountability comes in the wake of the stampede that claimed 11 lives and injured dozens outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the victory celebrations were held.
The Cubbon Park Walkers' Association has penned a letter to the local police, expressing their dismay over the damage inflicted upon the park. They accuse the state government of "dereliction of duty" and the army, responsible for maintaining law and order in the area, of failing in their responsibilities. The association's letter highlights the damage to the park's fence, ornamental plants, and trees, as well as the lack of preventative measures to manage the massive crowd that thronged the area. The association insists that the onus lies on the Karnataka Sub Area, given that the stadium land and wireless office are under the Army's jurisdiction.
Beyond the immediate tragedy of the stampede, the RCB fan frenzy in front of Vidhana Soudha has left parts of Cubbon Park devastated. According to horticulture department officials, close to one lakh saplings, bushes, trees, and annuals, including marigolds, petunias, and hibiscus, were either broken or completely damaged. Zealous fans, seeking the best view of their stars, also damaged topiary structures at Vidhana Soudha and the high court garden beyond repair. The horticulture department estimates that regenerating the entire garden could cost around Rs 25 lakh.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, a 25-year-old survivor of the stampede has filed a police complaint, holding RCB, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and event organizer DNA agency responsible for the tragedy. The complainant alleges that thousands were allowed entry without tickets after social media posts falsely advertised free entry and ticket distribution. Autopsy reports confirm that all victims died due to suffocation. The survivor accuses the organizers of poor planning, negligence, and a lack of crowd control, leading to the chaos, injuries, and fatalities.
In response to the tragedy, the Karnataka government has initiated a series of actions, including the suspension of top police officials, a judicial probe, and a criminal case against RCB, KSCA, and event organizer DNA Networks. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that negligence and apathy led to the tragedy, and representatives of RCB, DNA, and the Karnataka cricket body are subject to arrest. A one-member judicial commission, led by former Karnataka High Court judge Justice Michael Cunha, has been tasked with submitting a report within 30 days. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will lead the probe into the incident.
The Karnataka High Court has also taken suo motu cognizance of the incident, directing the state to submit a detailed status report outlining the causes of the stampede, lapses in crowd management, and steps being taken to avoid similar incidents in the future.
The incident has also taken on a political dimension, with BJP State President BY Vijayendra demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and Home Minister G Parameshwara. Vijayendra argues that the government only took action after the High Court initiated a suo motu case and issued strong remarks. He accuses the Chief Minister of making police officers scapegoats and insists that the government must take moral responsibility for the tragedy.
