Stampede at RCB Celebration in Bengaluru Claims Lives and Injures Many

BENGALURU, India — A tragic stampede occurred at Chinnaswamy Stadium during the victory celebrations for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 4, 2025, leaving at least 11 people dead and 33 others injured. The incident has shocked the nation, prompting responses from various officials.

As fans gathered to celebrate RCB’s first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title win, excitement quickly turned into chaos. Eyewitnesses reported that the massive crowd, estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands, began to push and shove as they attempted to enter the venue. Footage showed scattered shoes and torn jerseys littering the ground in the aftermath of the rush.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed the media, confirming the casualties and announcing a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives. He noted the stadium’s capacity was 35,000, far less than the throngs that arrived for the event. “No one expected this much crowd,” he said. A magisterial inquiry will be conducted to investigate the incident further.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the event as “absolutely heartrending,” expressing his condolences to the bereaved families and wishing for a speedy recovery for the injured. Similarly, President Droupadi Murmu conveyed her sorrow, calling the event “shocking and heartbreaking.”

Despite warnings about crowd control and a limited entry policy for those with tickets, security forces found themselves overwhelmed. Police struggled to maintain order amidst the frenzy, with reports indicating that many fans were climbing trees and walls to catch a glimpse of the players.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the lack of adequate preparation for such a large-scale celebration was unfortunate, urging future precautions for large events. IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal also emphasized the need for thorough inquiries into the ordeal.

Political tensions arose as the opposition criticized the state government’s preparedness for the event. BJP Karnataka President BY Vijayendra labeled the situation a result of negligence, claiming the government prioritized publicity over safety. He called for a judicial investigation into the incident.

The celebrations, initially meant to mark RCB’s remarkable victory, have turned into a somber reminder of the need for better crowd management at such large gatherings.