Following the tragic stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on June 4, 2025, which resulted in 11 deaths and numerous injuries during celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL victory, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sought to distance his government from the incident, placing blame on police officials for security lapses.

Siddaramaiah stated that his government did not organize the felicitation event at either Vidhana Soudha or the stadium. He claimed he was invited to the Vidhana Soudha event by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and was informed that the Governor would also be in attendance. He further stated he was not informed about security arrangements made for the event near the stadium by the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner. He emphasized that the police had the responsibility to ensure security for the event.

The Chief Minister has defended the action taken against police officials, citing "dereliction of duty" as the primary reason for suspensions and transfers. B. Dayananda, the Bengaluru city police commissioner, was suspended, along with other senior police officials. Additionally, the Intelligence IG was transferred, and the CM's political secretary was removed from his position. These actions, according to Siddaramaiah, demonstrate the government's commitment to accountability.

Siddaramaiah has accused the opposition parties, BJP and JD(S), of politicizing the tragedy. He refuted allegations that the stampede was an embarrassment to his government, asserting that the government was not at fault and had taken swift action against those found negligent. He also dismissed reports that the Congress high command had sought a report on the stampede. He pointed to the Kumbh Mela stampede in Uttar Pradesh, where a significant number of lives were lost, questioning whether the BJP had demanded resignations then.

However, a letter from a senior police officer, M N Karibasavana Gowda, DCP (Vidhana Soudha security), to the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), revealed that concerns about security arrangements and potential crowd control issues had been raised prior to the event. Gowda's letter, written on June 4, 2025, warned of the likelihood of "lakhs of cricket fans" converging at Vidhana Soudha and highlighted the shortage of security personnel, making adequate "bandobast" a problem. This letter puts the administration in a difficult position, raising questions about why the event was allowed to proceed despite the expressed concerns.

The government has increased the compensation for the families of the deceased to Rs 25 lakh each, in addition to the Rs 10 lakh compensation announced by Royal Challengers Bengaluru. RCB has also pledged to establish a support fund for the injured. An FIR has been filed against the KSCA, RCB, and event organizer DNA Entertainment Private Limited, citing negligence in crowd management and safety measures.

The tragic stampede has prompted widespread condemnation and scrutiny. While the Chief Minister seeks to shift blame onto police officials and deflect political criticism, the incident has raised serious questions about event planning, crowd control, and accountability within the government and associated organizations.