SRINAGAR: A celebratory event turned tragic on Wednesday as a stampede outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed the lives of at least 11 people and injured over 50 others. The incident occurred during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) victory parade following their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title win.
According to NDTV, the chaos unfolded when an overwhelming crowd, estimated at over 200,000 fans, gathered to celebrate the team’s triumph. The situation escalated as attendees attempted to force their way through a single gate, leading to a deadly crush. Victims included several teenagers, with the youngest being 14 years old.
Eyewitnesses reported inadequate crowd control measures and insufficient security personnel to manage the massive turnout. A 19-year-old survivor recounted to NDTV, “Barricades were pushed down, almost got crushed.”
In response to the tragedy, Bengaluru Police have filed a suo motu case against RCB, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and event management firm DNA Entertainment Networks. The charges pertain to negligence and failure to ensure public safety during the event.
RCB issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the incident and announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of each deceased victim. The Karnataka government has also pledged Rs 25 lakh in compensation per family.
Prominent cricketers, including Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and Harbhajan Singh, conveyed their condolences. Kohli stated he was “absolutely gutted” by the events
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) acknowledged organizational shortcomings. Secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized the need for thorough planning and coordination with local authorities to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As investigations continue, the incident has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a historic celebration for RCB and its fans. Authorities are now focusing on ensuring accountability and implementing stricter safety protocols for large-scale public events.
