The joy of winning the IPL title after a long wait of 18 years lasted only a few hours for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, as 11 people were killed and several injured in a stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium during the victory celebrations in Bengaluru yesterday.
Insiders claim that the franchise’s decision to hold a hurried celebration to accommodate their foreign players’ plan to return home, might have played a role in the tragedy that unfolded.
RCB also erred in agreeing to take part in the Vidhana Soudha event organised by the state government. The police had informed the government that holding two events almost simultaneously would lead to logistical and management issues.
The state government failed to pre-empt the fans’ turnout at the victory celebrations of the most-followed IPL franchise, resulting in inadequate security and crowd management measures. But, the RCB too had a hand in the chaos and confusion that eventually brought lakhs of unsuspecting fans to the stadium in the heart of the city.
RCB, reports suggest, had sought permission (on June 3) from the local administration in Bengaluru for a victory celebration the following day. They put out frequent media advisories and fan invites on their social media accounts, changing the itinerary at will, but failed to communicate with their fan base at the right time. They gave no information about the entry gate numbers, and did not announce to the crowd outside the gates that the stadium was already full.
The RCB, in their announcement on June 4, at 7.30am had informed that a victory parade would be held at 5pm, which would be followed by celebrations at the Chinnaswamy stadium.
“We request all fans to follow guidelines set by police and other authorities, so that everyone can enjoy the roadshow peacefully. Free passes (limited entry) available on shop.royalchallengers.com,” said the post.
A few hours later, it shared a media advisory with a detailed itinerary, once again announcing the victory parade.
“Royal Challengers Bengaluru, winners of the IPL 2025, will return to the city today June 4, 2025, and will participate in a series of celebratory events organized to mark the occasion; Departure from Ahmedabad airport - 10 AM; Arrival in Bengaluru - 1:30 PM, HAL Airport, Bengaluru; Visit to Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka - 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Vidhana Soudha; Victory Parade approximately 5:00 PM onwards (post CM visit) - route: From Vidhana Soudha to M Chinnaswamy Stadium via open-top bus. The team will proceed on a public parade en route to the stadium, 6:00 PM onwards”.
The confusion over the victory parade ended up bringing a sea of RCB fans from across the state to the stadium, which otherwise would have distributed the crowds along the route of the proposed victory parade.
The intimation about the cancelled victory parade was announced in the evening, at around 3.14pm on RCB’s ‘X’ handle. “There will be a felicitation function for the RCB team at the Chinnaswamy Stadium from 5PM to 6PM. Entry is restricted to ticket / pass holders only. There will be NO victory parade. Due to limited parking, the public are advised to use Metro and other public transport. Public are advised to avoid the CBD area from 3PM to 8PM.”
Fans, however, turned up in large numbers to test their luck at the stadium.
RCB stampede in Bengaluru: Political blamegame begins
The political blamegame has begun. Home Minister G. Parameshwara claimed that the tragedy took place at the stadium and not during the Vidhana Soudha event.
The opposition are now questioning why the state government has not filed a case against the KSCA and RCB for not making adequate arrangements such as ambulances and volunteers and public address system, or proper communication to keep away fans without formal invitations.
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The KSCA and RCB, too, have not registered any complaint against the state government for its failure to provide adequate security outside the stadium and not clearing the traffic around the stadium for the movement of police and ambulances.
An official statement by the RCB said, “We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us. RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extends our heartfelt condolences to the affected families.”
The franchise has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of victims, while the state government too has announced Rs 10 lakh as compensation and would be bearing the treatment expenses of the injured.
There was a massive outrage over the RCB continuing the victory celebrations inside the stadium even after the reported deaths due to stampede outside. The franchise posted saying, “Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program, and followed the guidance and advice of the local administration. We urge all our supporters to please stay safe.”
Kohli who reshared RCB’s statement and said, “At loss for words. Absolutely gutted.”
The opposition BJP has questioned what was the hurry to organise the celebrations within 24 hours, when Mumbai had taken five days to prepare for the victory march in the past.