The Karnataka government has formally blamed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the tragic stampede outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed 11 lives and left more than 50 injured during the IPL victory parade celebrations on June 4, reported Deccan Herald. In a status report submitted to the High Court, state authorities highlighted a series of critical lapses, lack of coordination, and violations by RCB and their event partners. The report even included direct references to a widely circulated video appeal by Virat Kohli that is alleged to have contributed to the massive and uncontrolled turnout.
Sequence of Events and Administrative Findings
According to the Karnataka government, the event proceeded without securing the mandatory permissions required for large public gatherings under Bengaluru city regulations. Organisers, including DNA Entertainment Networks and RCB, informed the police about the planned parade only on June 3, just a day before the celebration. The city police had denied permission for the event due to insufficient details on crowd management and safety protocols. Despite this, RCB went ahead with widespread promotions on social media, inviting fans for free entry to join the celebrations on June 4. The campaign included a video message from RCB’s star player, Virat Kohli, personally urging fans to be part of the festivities.
On the day of the event, an unprecedented crowd of over 300,000 gathered outside the stadium, far exceeding all expectations. Chaos erupted when the organisers announced—at the last minute—that passes would be needed for entry, contradicting their earlier communications about open access. This sudden change led to confusion and panic at the gates, resulting in a fatal stampede that claimed multiple lives.
Government’s Key Allegations Against RCB
The government’s report maintains that Royal Challengers Bengaluru, along with event partners and the Karnataka State Cricket Association, decided to proceed with the event unilaterally, neglecting consultations with the city police or securing necessary approvals. The authorities emphasized the impact of the extensive promotional campaign, pointing out that Virat Kohli’s widely shared video appeal encouraged fans to attend without mentioning any admission restrictions. The administration also faulted the organisers for poor planning at the entry gates, ineffective communication on event day, and delays in opening the stadium doors, all of which contributed directly to the tragedy.
Aftermath and Accountability Measures
In the aftermath of the incident, the state government ordered in-depth magisterial and judicial inquiries. FIRs were filed, and disciplinary action was initiated against both police personnel and political staff responsible for oversight of event security and permissions. The government also announced compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured. Several senior officials were suspended or transferred following preliminary findings.
Broader Implications
The Chinnaswamy Stadium tragedy has sparked a broader conversation about public safety, event organiser accountability, and the influence charismatic celebrities have on crowd mobilisation. The Karnataka government’s detailed status report, along with subsequent submissions to the High Court, has highlighted the crucial need for rigorous oversight and strict adherence to protocols whenever large-scale public celebrations are held in urban areas.
Photo Credit: Deccan Herald
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