Joy Turns Tragic: Stampede Breaks Out Amid RCB's Celebration, 11 Dead

RCB's IPL celebration event took a devastating turn in Bengaluru.

Multiple casualties in Bengaluru stampede

(Photo: X)

In a devastating turn of events, what was meant to be a day of jubilation descended into chaos and sorrow as a stampede broke out outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, 4 June, killing 11 people. Tens of thousands of elated Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans had gathered to celebrate the team’s maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title, won the night before. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) had organised a public felicitation ceremony, but the event quickly spiralled out of control.

With crowd control measures proving grossly inadequate, panic ensued as fans surged forward to catch a glimpse of their favourite cricketers. The stampede left 11 people dead and several others injured. Casualties have been reported from Bowring Hospital and Vydehi Superspeciality Hospital on Vittal Mallya Road.

Among the many distressing images was that of a policeman carrying an injured child out of the melee. Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah confirmed that 11 people had lost their lives, whilst 33 were severly injured.

This was a major tragedy. People have died in a stampede. 11 lives have been lost, and 33 others are seriously injured. Around 14 people have received treatment at the outpatient facility. I visited the hospital. Such an incident should never have happened, and the government deeply regrets it.

Siddaramaiah, Karnataka CM

On the plausible cause of the stampede, Siddaramaiah acknowledged the authorities had undermined the possible crowd turnout. Whilst the government had expected 'slightly more than 35,000 people' to attend the celebrations, between 2 to 3 lakh fans had gathered at the stadium.

The turnout was far beyond what we anticipated. In front of Vidhana Soudha, nearly one lakh people had gathered, but there were no incidents there. However, at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, there were casualties. No one, neither the Cricket Association nor the government, expected this, as the stadium has a seating capacity of about 35,000. We assumed only a slightly larger crowd would show up. But almost two to three lakh people gathered

Siddaramaiah

The Karnataka government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased.

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, also offered his commiserations.

The mishap in Bengaluru is absolutely heartrending. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those who are injured have a speedy recovery.

PM Narendra Modi

Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed deep regret, describing the crowd as “uncontrollable.”

I have spoken to the Police Commissioner and everyone. I will also go to the hospital later. I do not want to disturb the doctors who are taking care of the patients. The exact number cannot be told now. We appeal to the people to remain calm. We shortened the program. The program ended within 10 minutes. We are trying to make everything normal. Lakhs of people came. I think this is not a controllable crowd. I apologise to all the people of Bengaluru and Karnataka. We wanted to take a procession, but the crowd was uncontrollable.

DK Shivakumar, speaking to the media

With the roads being clogged and metros overcrowded, emergency response became difficult. As the situation worsened, police resorted to a lathi charge in an attempt to disperse the crowd — an action Shivakumar later admitted was a mistake.

Police resorted to lathi charge.

(Photo: PTI)

Fans outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

(Photo: PTI)

A day of celebration turned into a day of mourning.

(Photo: PTI)

RCB, KSCA Issue Statement

Albeit a curtailed version of the celebratory event did play out at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, amid chaos outside, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Karnataka State Cricket Association have now issued statements, offering solidarity with the grieving families.

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 extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families. 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.

Official statement from RCB

The KSCA, meanwhile, has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh, alongside RCB, for the families of the deceased.

RCB - KSCA expresses deep concern and heartfelt condolences regarding the unfortunate incident that occurred during the celebration organized by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium earlier today. We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of life and the injuries sustained by individuals during this event. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this incident. We sincerely regret this tragedy and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families during this extremely difficult time. RCB - KSCA announces ₹5 lakhs to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. We hope this gesture can offer some support and solace in their time of grief. We want to emphasize that this compensation is not intended to determine or replace the value of human life, but rather to serve as a gesture of support and solidarity during such challenging times.

KSCA's statement

Chaos & Confusion Regarding RCB's Victory Parade

In the hours leading up to the stampede, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) homecoming celebrations were already mired in confusion.

Earlier in the day, the franchise issued a media advisory confirming that the team would “participate in a series of celebratory events” to mark their historic maiden IPL title win.

According to the initial schedule, RCB were to meet Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at Vidhana Soudha before proceeding to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium at 5pm in an open-top bus. “The team will proceed from Vidhana Soudha to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium via open-top bus on a public parade,” the advisory stated.

However, the plan was abruptly altered amid growing safety concerns. Bengaluru Traffic Police subsequently issued an update, announcing that the team would now participate only in a “special felicitation ceremony” inside the stadium.

Traffic advisory from the Bengaluru Traffic Police

Despite this change, RCB’s official social media handles confirmed a "victory parade."

As chaos unfolded outside the stadium, the team went ahead with a brief ceremony inside — captain Rajat Patidar and former captain Virat Kohli addressed the crowd before the players took a quick victory lap. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar later confirmed that the event had to be cut short to just 15 minutes due to the uncontrollable crowd.

Tragedy Sparks Political Storm

The tragic events have since sparked a political storm. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticised the ruling Congress-led government, accusing it of gross mismanagement and negligence.

Prahlad Joshi, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, blamed the state for failing to ensure basic planning and safety.

It is truly a tragedy that around 10 people died and over 30 were seriously injured in the stampede. This heartbreaking incident took place due to lack of proper arrangements, planning and crowd management. The Karnataka government has failed to fulfill its responsibility.

Prahlad Joshi

BJP Karnataka President BY Vijayendra held the government accountable for the deaths.

Because of the negligence of the government, 12 people have died and many are injured. The government still went ahead with the event. Despite police denial, the event was held at Vidhana Soudha. There was stone-pelting and chappals hurled — why the hurry?

BY Vijayendra

Former Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy also slammed the lack of foresight and urged immediate government support for the affected families.

The tragic incident of a stampede near Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium during the RCB victory celebrations, resulting in the unfortunate death of people, has left me deeply shocked. It is extremely painful to see innocent lives lost even before the celebrations could begin.

HD Kumaraswamy

In response, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar stated the police cannot be blamed.

We saw the situation on the ground and accordingly changed the program plan. Due to overcrowded metro stations, traffic congestion, and the overwhelming public turnout, we decided not to continue with the event as originally scheduled. We did everything we could. I don’t blame the police, managing such a huge crowd was beyond anyone’s control. That’s why we avoided using the open vehicle for the players and wrapped up the program within 10 to 15 minutes to ensure safety.

DK Shivakumar

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep sorrow, while urging stronger safety measures in future.

I am deeply saddened by the tragic stampede in Bengaluru during the celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 victory. The loss of precious lives and the injuries sustained by many in this unfortunate incident are profoundly distressing. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured. The Congress Party stands in solidarity with the people of Bengaluru and commits to supporting all efforts to provide relief, medical help and assistance to the affected families by the Karnataka government.

Mallikarjun Kharge