What was meant to be a historic and joyous celebration of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden IPL title turned into a devastating tragedy at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. A stampede outside the stadium on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries, casting a pall over the team’s long-awaited victory.
Overwhelming Crowds Lead to Catastrophe
Thousands of ecstatic RCB fans converged on Chinnaswamy Stadium, eager to catch a glimpse of their victorious team. Despite earlier efforts by authorities to manage the crowds, including the cancellation of an open-bus parade due to safety concerns, the sheer volume of people proved unmanageable. Reports indicate that 2-3 lakh people gathered, significantly exceeding the stadium’s capacity of around 35,000.
Stampede Erupts at Stadium Gates
The situation escalated dramatically around the stadium gates, particularly near Gate 3. A sudden surge of the crowd, including many without entry passes attempting to gain access, led to a stampede. People reportedly fell over each other in the rush, leading to critical injuries and fatalities. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with some fans even resorting to climbing walls and fences in desperation.
Fatalities and Injuries Confirmed
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that 11 people died and 33 were injured in the stampede. Most of the deceased were young individuals. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, including Bowring and Vydehi Hospitals. The government has announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased, and RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) have also pledged financial assistance.
Blame and Investigation Underway
The tragic incident has sparked widespread criticism regarding the planning and crowd management. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia acknowledged “serious security lapses” and stated that “the organisers should have planned it better.” Opposition parties also slammed the state government for its apparent lack of preparedness.
A magisterial inquiry has been ordered by the Karnataka government to investigate the incident and identify the lapses that led to the tragedy. Questions are being raised about the coordination between organizers, local administration, and law enforcement agencies.
