The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and event management company DNA, along with certain Bengaluru police officers, are set to face legal action following a stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on June 4, 2025. The Karnataka government has approved the findings of the Justice John Michael D'Cunha judicial commission that investigated the incident.
The stampede occurred as a massive crowd gathered to celebrate RCB's victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Eleven people died and over 50 were injured in the crush. The D'Cunha Commission's report holds RCB, KSCA, DNA, and the Bengaluru Police directly responsible for "gross negligence and dereliction of duty".
The commission's inquiry revealed serious lapses in planning, coordination, and execution of the event. Despite expecting a huge crowd, only 79 personnel were deployed inside the stadium and none outside. No ambulances were stationed at the venue, and senior police officials were allegedly late to respond. The Joint Commissioner of Police reportedly arrived nearly 30 minutes after the stampede, and the city Police Commissioner was informed two hours later.
The report also noted that the event was organized to celebrate RCB's IPL win without prior permission from the authorities. The team went ahead with its victory parade despite police rejecting RCB's request. A status report filed in the High Court mentioned that RCB promoted the event without formal permission, including a video of Virat Kohli inviting fans to join the celebrations. The government stated that RCB, DNA, and KSCA failed to coordinate effectively. Mismanagement at the entry gates and delayed openings also contributed to the stampede.
According to the Cunha report, police officials failed to stop the event knowing it was "unauthorised" and organised in "haste" without proper security arrangements. The report cited improper barricade installation and narrow entry gates as key contributing factors. Misleading announcements caused confusion among fans. The deaths mainly occurred at Gates 7, 2/2A, 18, and 20. The lack of an on-site medical setup also contributed to critical treatment delays.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil stated that the legal action could include both civil and criminal cases. A departmental inquiry will be initiated against suspended police officers for their inability to control the situation. Those found responsible for the stampede and negligence have been indicated in the Justice D'Cunha report.
The Justice John Michael Cunha Commission also concluded that the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium's design and structure are unsuitable and unsafe for mass gatherings. The report highlighted the lack of designated queuing zones, an insufficient number of entry and exit gates, inadequate integration with public transport, and the absence of emergency evacuation plans. The commission suggested adhering to international standards for future venues and cautioned against hosting high-attendance events at the current location without infrastructural changes.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, KSCA filed a petition against the FIR, arguing that it misattributed responsibility. The KSCA president, secretary, and treasurer argued that the FIR represented a serious miscarriage of justice and sought to pin responsibility on the wrong parties.
