RCB Blamed for Deadly Bengaluru Crowd Tragedy by Karnataka Government
The Karnataka government has held the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and its event partner responsible for the stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium that killed 11 people and left over 50 injured. In a status report submitted to the High Court, the state said that the June 4 victory parade was organised without police permission and lacked basic safety measures.
Social Media Posts Sparked Huge Turnout
The report stated that RCB’s promotional videos and posts on social media—one featuring Virat Kohli—announced a free-entry celebration after the team’s IPL success. This triggered a surge of nearly 3 lakh fans toward the stadium. The authorities said no coordination was done with the police despite the massive expected turnout.
Parade Went Ahead Despite Denied Permission
The police had reportedly refused permission for the celebration due to safety concerns, but the event still went ahead. To manage the unexpected crowd, the organisers introduced a last-minute requirement for passes. This sudden change caused widespread confusion, especially at the gates, and ultimately triggered the deadly stampede.
Inquiry Exposes Lapses in Crowd Management
The report pointed to a complete absence of safety protocols—no crowd control barriers, signage, medical teams, or evacuation plans were in place. The event organisers, along with KSCA officials and certain police officers, have been named as responsible for negligence. A judicial panel also held them accountable.
Relief Measures and Lessons Ahead
RCB announced ₹10 lakh compensation to the families of each deceased person, and the state government followed with its own financial aid. A fund for the injured is also being set up. The government has stressed the need for strict event clearance processes and professional crowd management in future large-scale public gatherings.
