NATIONAL: RCB Victory Parade Turns Deadly in Bengaluru Stampede
Celebrations Turn Fatal
A tragic incident marred Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic IPL 2025 title celebration at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. What began as a grand public felicitation turned into a fatal stampede, claiming the lives of 10 individuals and injuring more than 50 others.
Massive Crowd Overwhelms Stadium Entry
As thousands of enthusiastic fans rushed to witness the team’s first-ever IPL trophy celebration, crowd control at Gate-2 collapsed. Fans climbed gates, trees, and nearby structures in desperation to get inside. The sudden surge in numbers triggered a panic wave that led to a stampede.
Police Lathicharge Escalates Chaos
To disperse the uncontrollable crowd, local police were forced to resort to lathicharge. This intensified the confusion and led to people trampling over each other in an attempt to escape. Emergency services confirmed the deaths of six men and four women. Over 50 others are being treated in nearby hospitals.
State Leaders Respond
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar immediately visited the injured at local hospitals. Both leaders expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and assured swift action. The government has ordered a high-level inquiry and announced compensation for victims’ families.
Felicitation Ceremony Suspended
The grand public felicitation for the RCB team was suspended indefinitely. Metro services and traffic routes towards the stadium were diverted to prevent further incidents. Officials requested the public to remain calm and avoid congested zones.
Heroic Welcome at Bengaluru Airport
Before the tragedy, the RCB squad received a rousing welcome at Kempegowda International Airport. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar personally received players including Virat Kohli, Dinesh Karthik, Tim David, and Krunal Pandya with ceremonial bouquets. Jubilant fans filled the arrival areas waving RCB flags and chanting team slogans.
Red Sea at Vidhana Soudha
The RCB team traveled in a special bus to Vidhana Soudha as part of their victory parade. Supporters lined the streets holding red flags and cheering the team. The capital city witnessed a celebratory atmosphere, temporarily eclipsed by the later tragedy at the stadium.
Questions Over Event Management
The incident has drawn criticism towards the event organizers and law enforcement for their failure to anticipate and control such a massive turnout. Security experts have called for a thorough review of crowd management protocols for high-profile public events.
Investigation Ordered
A government-appointed panel, comprising senior IAS and police officials, will submit an investigation report within the next seven days. The committee is expected to examine lapses in planning, emergency response, and crowd flow logistics.
Public Safety in Focus
This tragic event has shifted the conversation toward the need for structured public safety measures during major sporting celebrations. Experts are urging stricter regulations and coordination between event planners and civic authorities.