Karnataka CM announces aid for stampede victims’ kin, orders probe

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed the media on Wednesday, stating that the turnout for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebrations exceeded expectations. Tragically, 11 people lost their lives and 33 others were injured in a stampede-like incident near Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium during the parade. The CM has announced ₹10 lakh aid for victims’ families. He has also ordered magisterial inquiry into the stampede-like situation. The celebrations for the first-ever IPL victory of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) turned tragic as at least 11 people were killed following a stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Several others have also been injured. The stampede took place when thousands of fans attempted to enter the stadium in a hurry from various gates. The injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital. The government of Karnataka had earlier cancelled the victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium, citing security reasons. Police have been controlling the celebrating crowds since last night. Huge crowds have also thronged the Vidhana Soudha premises to witness the felicitation program by the government.

#WATCH | Bengaluru: Fans climb over the M Chinnaswamy Stadium walls and fences; police appeal to people to leave and not indulge in such activities

A large number of #RoyalChallengersBengaluru fans have turned up to catch a glimpse of their champion team.

A special… pic.twitter.com/CBn37w9xxp

— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2025

According to information provided to the government, a temporary slab placed over a drain near the stadium premises collapsed under the weight of people standing on it, said sources. The sudden collapse caused panic and a stampede ensued, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar acknowledged the deaths, but did not divulge any further information. The BJP said the tragedy was caused by poor planning and crowd mismanagement by the state government. He said the tragedy highlighted the administrative negligence and lack of proper crowd control measures, and called for accountability following the preventable loss of life. "The state government in Karnataka has clearly failed in its responsibility. Celebrations is one thing, but the State government without proper planning, without taking emergency services into confidence, took this urgent and unfortunate decision," wrote Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on X.
Heavy Industry Minister, HD Kumaraswamy, wrote on X, "The primary reason for this massive tragedy is the lack of proper planning and complete failure to take precautionary measures. The state government, led by @INCKarnataka, must take full responsibility for this disaster."

(State Correspondent)