On the evening of June 4, 2025, what was meant to be a jubilant celebration turned into a devastating tragedy in Bengaluru. A stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) Indian Premier League (IPL) victory parade resulted in the loss of at least 11 lives and left over 50 individuals injured.
The Incident Unfolds
Following RCB’s maiden IPL title win against the Punjab Kings on June 3, the city organized a grand victory parade to honor the team. The celebrations were scheduled to commence at Vidhana Soudha and culminate at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, the event took a tragic turn when an overwhelming crowd gathered outside the stadium, eager to partake in the festivities.
Eyewitnesses reported that as the crowd swelled, people began pushing towards the stadium gates. The situation escalated rapidly, leading to a stampede. Panic ensued, with fans attempting to escape the crush by climbing trees, gates, and vehicles. Emergency services faced challenges reaching the injured due to the dense crowd.
Casualties and Immediate Response
The stampede claimed the lives of 11 individuals, including a woman and a child, and injured over 50 others. Victims were transported to local hospitals such as Vydehi Multispecialty and Bowring Hospital, where several were pronounced dead upon arrival.
In the wake of the tragedy, the scheduled victory parade was promptly canceled. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar issued a public apology, acknowledging the government’s responsibility and expressing deep sorrow over the incident.
Criticism and Calls for Accountability
The incident has sparked widespread criticism regarding the lack of adequate crowd management and safety measures. Devajit Saikia, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), highlighted organizational lapses and emphasized the need for thorough planning in handling large events. He urged accountability from local authorities, drawing comparisons to previous celebrations that were managed without incident.
Political figures, including former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and BJP’s V. Somanna, have voiced their concerns, demanding a comprehensive investigation into the mishandling of the event.
Public Reaction and Social Media Outrage
The tragedy has elicited a strong response from the public and prominent personalities. Former RCB owner Vijay Mallya’s tweet expressing condolences was met with backlash, with many questioning his sincerity given his controversial past. Cricket legends like Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and Harbhajan Singh also offered their condolences, mourning the loss of lives.
Moving Forward
As investigations continue, there is a collective call for improved safety protocols and better crowd management strategies for large-scale events. The Bengaluru stampede serves as a somber reminder of the importance of meticulous planning and the prioritization of public safety during mass gatherings.
The city mourns the loss of its citizens, and the incident underscores the need for systemic changes to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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