Crowd Swelled at RCB Event Due to Free Entry Announcement: Karnataka Govt To HC
The Karnataka HC took suo motu cognizance of the stampede at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium that left 11 dead .
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The Karnataka government on Thursday, 5 June, told the Karnataka High Court (HC) that about 2.5-3 lakh people came for the celebrations for the IPL 2025 victory of Royal Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium because it was published that there was 'free entry'.
The Karnataka HC took suo motu cognizance of the tragic stampede at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium that left 11 people dead and at least 56 injured. The incident occurred on the evening of 3 June.
A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice V. Kameshwar Rao and Justice C.M. Joshi heard the matter.
“We will take suo motu cognizance,” the bench remarked, directing the state to submit a status report.
Police Present, But 'Not Enough'
According to Advocate General K. Shashi Kiran Shetty, police began making security arrangements late on 3 June and continued into the morning of 4 June.
"We deployed 1,643 personnel, including an additional 325 officers. The Additional JCP, Commissioner of Police, ambulances, emergency vehicles, and a water tanker were all on the ground,” he said.
The court noted: “There were deaths reported at Gate 7, Gate 6, and Gates 17 and 21. We need to know what measures were in place. What is the system? Was the fire brigade stationed?” Acting CJ Rao asked.
The stampede resulted in 11 deaths – 5 women and 6 men – and 56 injuries. Of the injured, 15 have been discharged, while 51 sustained minor injuries, 2 moderate, and 3 grievous, the government informed.
Advocate General K. Shashi Kiran Shetty acknowledged, “It was not enough because there was no proper number given to the police by the organisers. All the deaths occurred at the entry gates. The most affected were Gate 7 towards MG Road and Gate 6 from Cubbon Road. There are 21 gates in total. We have filed an FIR and initiated a magistrate-level inquiry. A detailed report will be submitted by 13 June.”
'Why Was There Need to Felicitate...?'
Senior Advocate Arun Shyam, representing petitioners questioned the rationale for the felicitation. “Who took the decision to felicitate RCB? Was it the Karnataka government or the Karnataka State Cricket Association?” the bench asked. “What is the obligation of the state to felicitate a franchise team that does not play for the country?”
A separate PIL filed by Lohith G. Hanumapura seeks an independent judicial inquiry under the supervision of a retired High Court judge. The petition also calls on the Karnataka State Cricket Association and the state government to submit documents regarding permissions, safety measures, crowd control plans, and the decision-making process behind organising dual events.
The High Court has issued notice to the state, directing the Advocate General to appear on Tuesday, June 10 at 10:30 am with a detailed statement of facts and supporting documents. “We have received emails from the public seeking explanations. This matter concerns public trust,” the court noted.