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| Emergency workers try to rescue the injured and dead in a stampede during victory celebrations outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. |
The tragic stampede that took place during the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) IPL title celebrations in Bengaluru has so far claimed 11 lives. The police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the RCB authorities in this regard. In addition, a complaint has also been filed against popular cricketer Virat Kohli, questioning his moral and legal responsibility.
The incident took place last Wednesday, when RCB had gathered lakhs of fans outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate their IPL title win. Authorities estimate that two to three lakh people had gathered that day, despite the stadium's capacity of 35,000. The stampede led to the deaths. More than 47 people were injured, many of whom are undergoing treatment in hospitals.
The initial FIR has accused the RCB franchise, event management company DNA Network and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) of mismanagement and negligence. Police claim that the huge gathering was organised without the necessary permission. RCB's marketing head and a senior DNA official have already been arrested.
The Karnataka government has suspended five police officers who failed to maintain order at the scene. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed deep grief over the incident and announced a financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the deceased. RCB has also announced a similar amount of financial assistance to the families of the deceased.
Virat Kohli himself has also expressed his grief over the incident and wrote on social media, "I am speechless. Completely devastated." Although no FIR has been filed directly against him, a human rights group has accused him of being responsible for the incident as a celebrity. This tragic incident has once again raised questions about the weaknesses of security measures during mass gatherings in India.
Date: June 7, 2025
Author: Kazi Fahsin
Publisher: Novokanth (Novonicle)
