Bengaluru, June 4 – A joyous celebration turned into a horrifying tragedy outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru as a stampede claimed 11 lives and left at least 33 others injured during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebrations. The chaos erupted despite no official victory parade being held, leading to serious questions over crowd management and public safety protocols.
President and Political Leaders Express Grief and Concern Over the Loss of Lives
President Droupadi Murmu took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her condolences:
“The loss of lives in the tragic happening at a stadium in Bengaluru is shocking and heartbreaking. My condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also posted a heartfelt message, stating:
“Deeply shocked by the tragic loss of lives in the stampede during the RCB victory celebrations near Chinnaswamy Stadium. A moment of joy has been eclipsed by sorrow… Precautionary measures were taken by not allowing a victory parade, but the crowd surge near the stadium led to this tragedy.”
Former CM HD Kumaraswamy Criticises Government’s Lack of Preparation
Former Chief Minister and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy sharply criticized the state government for inadequate safety measures:
“It is a very sad incident. The Karnataka government should have made proper security arrangements. Everyone knew how excited people were after RCB’s win. When the government invited the team, arrangements should have been made to manage the crowd safely.”
Visuals Depict the Aftermath: Slippers and Shoes Scattered at the Scene of Panic
Heart-wrenching visuals from the scene showed footwear scattered across the ground, capturing the sheer panic and confusion as people tried to flee. Survivors reported a sudden push from the rear of the crowd, leading to many falling and being trampled.
Compensation Announced: ₹10 Lakh for Families of the Deceased
In a bid to offer some relief, the Karnataka government has announced ₹10 lakh compensation for the families of those who lost their lives in the incident. Medical treatment for the injured is being offered free of cost at government hospitals.
