The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebrations in Bengaluru have been marred by tragedy and criticism following a stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025. The incident, which occurred during a celebratory event for RCB's recent IPL win, resulted in the deaths of 11 fans and injuries to dozens more. This has led to widespread condemnation of the event's planning and execution, with many questioning the judgment of RCB and authorities involved.
Former India batter Robin Uthappa has expressed that the RCB's trophy win will forever be tainted by the loss of lives. He noted the unfortunate circumstance that the team and its fans cannot fully celebrate their long-awaited victory due to the tragedy. Following the incident, RCB announced a compensation of INR 10 lakh for the families of each of the deceased. The head of marketing and revenue for RCB, Nikhil Sosale, was also arrested in connection with the incident but was later granted interim bail, with his passport surrendered.
Criticism has been directed towards RCB for continuing with celebrations inside the stadium while the stampede occurred outside. Social media users voiced their outrage, questioning the lack of awareness or acknowledgment of the tragedy during the event. One post on X described the situation as "Unbelievable! Victory celebration broadcast of RCB parade continues. No mention of stampede. NOT DONE."
Senior sports journalist Vikrant Gupta has also criticized RCB and authorities for organizing the event despite Bengaluru Police initially denying security clearance due to safety concerns. This decision to proceed without adequate security measures has sparked debate about accountability and event planning.
Adding to the controversy, reports indicate conflicting accounts regarding the timeline of events and permissions granted. While the police claim that RCB was denied permission for a victory parade, RCB allegedly announced the parade on social media, leading to a crowd management crisis. This discrepancy has raised questions about the communication and coordination between RCB, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and local authorities.
The Karnataka government has taken swift action, suspending five police officials, including the Bengaluru Police Commissioner, in connection with the incident. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also announced a judicial inquiry to investigate the matter. The government has faced criticism from opposition parties, who have labeled the event a publicity stunt gone wrong and questioned the government's priorities.
Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has strongly condemned the poor planning and crowd control, urging the families of the deceased to sue RCB and the government for negligence. He also criticized the BCCI for shirking responsibility.
The tragic events surrounding RCB's victory celebrations have raised serious questions about event planning, crowd management, and accountability. As investigations continue and public outcry persists, it is clear that the incident will have lasting repercussions for RCB, the authorities involved, and the broader conversation around public safety at large-scale events.
