The celebrations following Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) maiden IPL victory in 2025 were quickly overshadowed by tragedy after a stampede at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru claimed 11 lives and left dozens injured on June 4, 2025. Despite the magnitude of the disaster unfolding outside, reports indicate that the felicitation event inside the stadium continued, sparking public outrage and raising serious questions about the sensitivity and responsibility of the organizers.
News of the stampede and resulting casualties began to surface while the event inside the stadium was still underway. Witnesses and social media users expressed disbelief and anger that the celebrations were not immediately halted in light of the tragedy. Posts on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, criticized the perceived apathy, with users questioning why the jubilant broadcast of the RCB parade continued without any mention of the stampede.
The incident has snowballed into a major political and administrative crisis. The Karnataka government has faced severe criticism for alleged mismanagement and a lack of preparedness. The government had previously cancelled the victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium due to security concerns, yet the arrangements at the stadium proved woefully inadequate. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the lapses that led to the tragedy.
Adding to the controversy, the Bengaluru City Police have not registered a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the deaths, opting instead to file 11 separate Unnatural Death Reports (UDRs). This decision has been met with raised eyebrows and further questions about the handling of the situation. A senior police official defended the move, stating that an FIR would be registered based on the findings of the magisterial inquiry.
The situation was exacerbated by conflicting information disseminated through social media. Throughout the day, various updates posted by RCB's social media page contradicted the communication provided by the Bengaluru City Police and Bengaluru Traffic Police, leading to widespread confusion among fans. Despite police denying permission for a parade, RCB's account later announced that the parade was back on, drawing even more crowds to the stadium area.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, RCB announced financial support of ₹10 lakh for each of the families of the deceased. The franchise also stated that a fund called RCB Cares is being created to support fans injured in the incident. The Karnataka High Court has taken suo moto cognizance of the incident and has asked for a status report.
The state government has told the Karnataka High Court that the RCB victory celebrations were held illegally as no permission was obtained, except intimating local police about possible celebrations. The state argued that back-to-back posts by Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL) on its social media platforms, inviting fans from dawn to dusk, led to huge gatherings, resulting in the stampede. The state also said that as per the tripartite agreement between Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and RCB, the management of the stadium, including gates and private security, is the responsibility of RCB.
The tragic events surrounding RCB's victory celebrations have prompted widespread reflection on the importance of prioritizing public safety and ensuring responsible event management. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate planning, poor communication, and a lack of sensitivity in the face of tragedy.
