The Karnataka government on Wednesday announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of those killed in the stampede during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations near the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he has ordered a magisterial probe into the incident.
"A major tragedy occurred during the victory celebrations. It happened near the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased. The government will provide free treatment to the injured," he said.
At least 11 people died and 33 others were injured in the stampede that broke out as thousands of RCB fans gathered at the venue to catch a glimpse of the team after their first-ever title win in the Indian Premier League. The felicitation was organised by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).
“This tragedy should not have happened. The government expresses deep sorrow over this incident,” the chief minister said.
In an apparent dig at the opposition BJP which has targeted the state government over the incident, Siddaramaiah said he would not do politics on this tragedy.
"I don't want to defend this incident. Our government will not do politics on this. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry and given 15 days' time. People even broke the gates of the stadium. There was a stampede. No one expected such a huge crowd,” he said.
The chief minister further claimed that 2-3 lakh people turned up for the event while the stadium has a capacity of only 35,000 people.
Videos circulating on social media showed police shifting the injured persons and those who fell unconscious in ambulances to nearby hospitals. They also showed some of those who were in an unconscious state being administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by those nearby.