RCB's victory in Bengaluru became a tragedy: 11 killed, 47 pounds
On June 4, 2025, a horrific stampede turned the celebrations into mourning during the celebration of Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) historic IPL 2025 win outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. 11 people lost their lives in this accident, while 47 others were injured. The accident happened when thousands of enthusiastic fans had gathered near Gate No. 3 of the stadium to see their favorite team and star player Virat Kohli. This tragedy shocked not only Bengaluru, but the whole country.
RCB won the IPL title on June 3, 2025 by defeating Punjab Kings after a long wait of 18 years. This victory sent a wave of excitement in Bengaluru. Crowds of fans thronged the stadium and the streets of the city. RCB's victory parade and felicitation ceremony were organized at Chinnaswamy Stadium and Vidhan Soudha on June 4. Thousands of fans started gathering outside the stadium since morning, who wanted to see their team with the trophy. Around 4 pm, the crowd went out of control. The situation went out of control due to narrow gates and inadequate security arrangements. According to eyewitnesses, fans started breaking barricades and falling on each other to enter the stadium. Many people were crushed in the chaos. Most of the dead were youngsters, including an 18-year-old college student, a 22-year-old engineering student and a 14-year-old schoolgirl. The injured were rushed to nearby Bowring and Vaidehi hospitals, where some were reported to be stable, while some suffered serious injuries to the head, spine and ankle.
Statement by leaders and RCB
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as "heartbreaking", while Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said most of the dead were youngsters. He assured assistance to the affected families. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who welcomed the RCB team, called it "deeply saddening and shocking". Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi also expressed condolences and demanded better safety protocols from the government. RCB expressed deep sorrow in a statement, but some fans and politicians called their response insensitive. Former owner Vijay Mallya wrote on Twitter, "RCB fans should not have suffered this tragedy." Actor Kamal Haasan and former player AB de Villiers also expressed condolences.
Criticism and demand for investigation
Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra blamed inadequate police arrangements and poor planning of the event for the accident and demanded a judicial inquiry. Union minister Prahlad Joshi accused the Congress government of allowing the event due to political pressure. Eyewitnesses said lack of police and medical assistance worsened the situation.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the stadium had a capacity of 35,000 but 2-3 lakh people had gathered. The open-top bus parade had already been cancelled to control the crowd, but the enthusiasm of the fans did not subside. Bengaluru police had urged people to watch the ceremony via live stream but many fans kept trying to break into the stadium gates.