Nearly three months after the tragedy on June 4—when a stampede during RCB’s long-awaited IPL title celebrations resulted in 11 fatalities and dozens of injuries—the franchise has finally issued its first public statement.
In a heartfelt message on social media, RCB wrote:
“The Silence wasn’t Absence. It was Grief.”
“That day broke our hearts, and the silence since then has been our way of holding space. In that silence, we’ve been grieving, listening, learning… We return not with celebration but with care.”
This statement marked their long-awaited return to communication—acknowledging the pain and announcing their new initiative, RCB Cares.
Unfolding of the Tragedy
- On June 3, RCB won their maiden IPL title by defeating Punjab Kings—an 18-year wait that ended in jubilation.
- The team returned to Bengaluru a day later for a felicitation event, including plans for a victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to the stadium. This parade was abruptly cancelled due to traffic concerns.
- Instead, a mass gathering formed outside the stadium—estimates suggest crowd sizes reached between 200,000 to 300,000, overwhelming a venue built for far fewer.
- Confusion intensified when a sudden announcement of free passes prompted many to rush the gates. The result: a catastrophic crush and stampede that claimed 11 lives and left 56 injured.
- Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes, unclear protocols, and metro services being suspended, which contributed to the mayhem.
Response and Accountability
- Immediate Relief Efforts
- RCB pledged ₹10 lakh (~$11,650) to each family of the deceased and launched the RCB Cares fund to support the injured.
- The Karnataka government covered all medical expenses for those injured.
- Official Investigations and Fallout
- A magisterial inquiry was ordered. A government report later held RCB, its event partner DNA Entertainment, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) responsible, citing lack of legal permissions and poor coordination with authorities.
- A First Information Report (FIR) was filed against RCB and associated bodies. Several police officers were suspended for lapses in crowd management.
- Public Reaction
- Social media brimmed with anger and grief. One user wrote: “Those sad deaths will always be associated with the victory. Always. They will never be forgotten.”
Another insightfully reflected:
“No victory can erase the loss of lives… what truly dishonors [the victims] is ignoring the failures that led to their deaths.”
- Social media brimmed with anger and grief. One user wrote: “Those sad deaths will always be associated with the victory. Always. They will never be forgotten.”
From Silence to Healing
RCB’s announcement signifies a turning point—not just in communication but in fostering trust and accountability. RCB Cares is meant to carry forward support, memory, and a commitment to safer practices, emerging from a period of reflection rather than defiance
