The Karnataka government has recently held Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), their event management partner DNA Networks Private Limited, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) responsible for the stampede that occurred outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.
Bengaluru Stampede: In the case of the tragic death of 11 people in the stampede (Bengaluru Stampede) outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on June 4, 2025, the Karnataka government has presented its investigation report. The government has directly held Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), their event partner DNA Networks Private Limited, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) responsible for this accident.
According to the government, these three overlooked legal procedures and safety standards, leading to severe disarray and a public safety crisis.
How Did This Lapse Occur? What Does the Government Report Say?
According to the report, RCB, DNA Networks, and KSCA unilaterally decided to organize a victory procession and celebration outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in the heart of Bangalore without proper permission and without informing the administration. For this event, the organizers submitted only an 'information letter' to the Cubbon Park Police Station on June 3, 2025.
It mentioned that if RCB wins, there would be a victory procession. But the police explicitly refused to grant permission because it did not provide information on crowd management, traffic control, and safety measures. Despite this, on June 4 at 7:01 AM, RCB itself announced the ‘Victory Parade’ via social media. On the same day, at 3:14 PM, it was announced that the procession would start at 5 PM and the program would continue at the stadium.
Crowd Became Uncontrollable Due to Social Media
Information reached crores of people through posts made on social media.
- Four posts were viewed 1.6 million, 426,000, 760,000, and 1.7 million times.
- On the same day, approximately 966,000 passengers traveled on the Bangalore Metro, while the normal daily number is about 600,000.
- According to estimates, more than three lakh people attended this event.
Which Rules Were Violated?
The government report stated that the organizers violated the Bangalore city's ‘Licensing and Control of Public Gatherings and Processions Order, 2009’.
- Merely providing information is not equivalent to obtaining permission.
- No traffic and security plan was provided.
- There was no arrangement for signage, loudspeakers, or trained staff.
- There was no clear plan for staff, ambulances, and entry-exit points for the police.
What Did the Administration Do?
Although RCB and the organizers conducted the event without permission, the Bangalore Police still prepared an emergency plan to handle the situation. 654 police personnel were deployed, including 4 DCPs, 6 ACPs, 23 Inspectors, 57 PSIs, 104 ASIs, and 462 Constables. 9 diversion points were created. 125 barricades were installed.
Emergency services were activated through BMTC, ambulances, and the e-Path app. The government acknowledged that the police did what they could in the field immediately, but on June 5, 5 police officers, including 3 IPS officers, were suspended.
