Royal Challengers Bengaluru have endured a torrid time since their maiden IPL title victory on June 3. Having broken their 17-year trophy drought with a six-run win over Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final, RCB's celebrations were cut short as tragedy ensued during the victory celebrations on June 4, causing a stampede, which allegedly resulted in 11 deaths. The subsequent days saw an FIR lodged against the franchise alongside event management company DNA and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).
The latest news from the ruling government is a possible relocation of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. As investigations continue following the arrests in the case, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has revealed that a venue change is an option that cannot be ruled out.
“The government will look into shifting the cricket stadium to another location," said the chief minister in an ANI release.
“Such an unpleasant incident should not happen under any government. Personally, this incident has hurt me and the government. Five police officers have been suspended in this case. The intelligence chief and the chief minister’s political secretary have been replaced," he added.
Whether a venue change is the solution to the problem is a point to debate. Particularly when the Karnataka government had been forewarned about the possible risks of hosting the felicitation ceremony at the Vidhana Soudha on June 4. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, M.N. Karibasvanna, had alerted the Department of Administration and Personnel Reforms (Government of Karnataka). The Vidhana Soudha officials had passed on the intel to DPAR Chief G. Sathyavathi on the possible danger due to lack of security resources to manage such a high-profile event.
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Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah promised a swift and accurate resolution in the case, and also vehemently denied the ruling government's role in the mishap. Contrary to allegations, the CM stated that he was just a guest at the function that was planned entirely by the KSCA.
“The Secretary and Treasurer of the KSCA invited me to the felicitation programme. It’s not a function we organised. It’s a function they organised, and I was merely invited. They additionally informed me that the Governor was to attend it. Hence, I attended the programme. Apart from that, I am not aware of anything else."
RCB's Head of Marketing and Revenue, Nikhil Sosale was arrested on Friday (June 6) along with two DNA employees - Kiran Kumar (Senior Event Manager) and Sunil Mathew (Vice President - Business Affairs). Amidst all the ongoing controversies surrounding the franchise, losing the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium could be a hammer blow for RCB.