The merry moments of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning their first IPL title soon became a nightmare for the city of Bengaluru. On June 4, the large crowd that gathered outside the legendary M Chinnaswamy Stadium, cheering for the victory, turned into a fatal stampede, killing 11 individuals and injuring over 50. Now, in the wake of this tragedy, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has opened up a key change literally by considering shifting the old stadium from its present site in the city's clogged heart.

Under intense pressure and public anger, CM Siddaramaiah finally spoke up, describing the stampede as "deeply painful" and confessing that shifting the stadium is being seriously contemplated. "The government will consider relocation of the cricket stadium to another site. Such a deplorable incident should never occur under any administration," he said during a press conference.

Situated in the Central Business District (CBD) area of Bengaluru, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium usually causes huge traffic jams and overgrounding during high-profile cricket matches. On the victory parade day of the IPL, more than 3 lakh people were estimated to have flocked around the stadium, well beyond the capacity of the area and causing pandemonium that spiralled into the deadly stampede.

Government Defends Actions Amid Political Heat

The Karnataka government acted quickly on the crisis. Five policemen were suspended, and the state intelligence chief as well as the CM's political secretary were changed. The government also raised compensation for the victims from ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh per family as a result of popular outrage. But the opposition wasn't satisfied. The BJP and JDS criticised the Congress government, calling for both Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar to resign. BJP leaders also committed to donating one month's salary to help the families affected.

Despite the backlash, CM Siddaramaiah maintained that the administration acted responsibly. “The government has not done anything wrong. This incident is saddening, but no misstep was taken. Legal action has been initiated against those found guilty,” he said. He also pointed fingers back at the opposition, questioning their silence during similar past tragedies elsewhere. “Did the UP CM resign when people died in the Kumbh Mela? Was there such a political uproar then?” he asked.

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KSCA Under Spotlight as Stadium Safety Debate Intensifies

In a new twist, the Chief Minister clarified that the celebration programme was hosted by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and not the state government. "The Secretary and Treasurer of KSCA invited me. The programme was not ours, I only attended as a guest," he stated. This clarification followed reports about a warning letter, sent by DCP MN Karibasvanna on the morning of June 4, cautioning against poor security arrangements and crowd control issues.

Chinnaswamy Stadium, as iconic as it is, has long been a logistical thorn in the side. Being close to important government complexes, business areas, and tight roads, it's becoming a less desirable location to host events that draw lakhs of people. The June 4 tragedy has once again raised questions of age-old anxiety over whether major sports stadiums in Indian cities are capable of accommodating mass crowds safely. Urban planners, citizens, and political leaders alike are now reexamining the destiny of public event spaces in fast-growing metropolitan cities like Bengaluru.

While the decision is yet to be taken, the option of moving the stadium to a secure and accessible area is on the cards. "We will take a call after proper consultation with stakeholders," said Siddaramaiah. The exercise, if undertaken, will mean intricate coordination among the state, KSCA, BCCI, and urban development authorities. For the time being, Bengaluru is in mourning. Eleven families are crying over the senseless and sudden loss of their loved ones. But as the dust settles, the city is also facing a choice. The tragedy has exposed the imperative for improved infrastructure, more efficient crowd management, and accountability.

Whether or not the stadium is shifted eventually, one thing is for sure: June 4, 2025, will be etched in history not only as the day RCB eventually won the IPL trophy, but as the day a party became a tragedy.

In a tragic turn of events, what was meant to be a celebration of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL 2025 victory ended in disaster near the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. A huge crowd had congregated to celebrate their team's victory, but the poor crowd control and absence of police presence led to a stampede, resulting in the death of an estimated 11 people and critically injuring many others. The chaos unfolded on June 4, turning joy into mourning in a matter of minutes.

As a reaction to the tragedy, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared a hike in compensation for the families of the victims. The compensation that was initially ₹10 lakh for each of the deceased has been doubled to ₹25 lakh each. Condoling the loss, Siddaramaiah said in a post on X that the state government is determined to help those affected and ensure that no family is left behind because of financial constraints during this dark time.

The Chief Minister's declaration was greeted with relief and further outrage, as people wondered at the security arrangements at such a massive public gathering. With anger and sorrow escalating, the stage was set for those in charge of the event and maintenance of security.

CID Probe Starts as Top Officials Quit

The stampede has also had far-reaching administrative implications. Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda was suspended in the face of public outcry at the unplanned lack of coordination. The incident also led to a change at the top in the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), with Secretary A. Shankar and Treasurer E.S. Jairam putting in their resignations on June 7.

ಚಿನ್ನಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂಭವಿಸಿದ ಕಾಲ್ತುಳಿತ ದುರಂತದಲ್ಲಿ ಮೃತರಾದವರ ಕುಟುಂಬಗಳಿಗೆ ಘೋಷಿಸಿದ್ದ ಪರಿಹಾರವನ್ನು ತಲಾ ರೂ.10 ಲಕ್ಷದಿಂದ 25 ಲಕ್ಷ ರೂ.ಗಳಿಗೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸುವಂತೆ ಆದೇಶಿಸಿದ್ದೇನೆ.

ತಮ್ಮವರನ್ನು ಕಳೆದುಕೊಂಡು ನೊಂದಿರುವ ಕುಟುಂಬಗಳು ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳಿಂದಾಗಿ ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ಸಂಕಷ್ಟಕ್ಕೆ ಒಳಗಾಗದಿರಲಿ ಎನ್ನುವುದು ನಮ್ಮ…

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) June 7, 2025

Also Read: 'What a tragedy?..'.'—Sunil Gavaskar's shocking take on stampede during RCB's IPL 2025 victory celebrations

A day before a crucial internal meeting, the case was transferred by the state government to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a detailed investigation. KSCA President Raghuram Bhat testified that although the association has not yet received a call from the CID, they are completely ready to assist in the investigation and help in every way possible.

Following the tragic stampede near Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, in which 11 people died and several others were injured, comes a significant development. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), in a June 3 letter to the state government, has established that the RCB match-winning celebrations had been approved beforehand. The communication to the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) points out the role of KSCA in granting permission for the felicitation function organized at the Vidhana Soudha after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's historic IPL 2025 title victory.

Though the formal function at the Vidhana Soudha was conducted without hitches, a free-for-all erupted outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium following an open invitation on social media that triggered a public congregation. The massive crowd, a lack of crowd control, and an awful stampede resulted. The public was outraged, and an FIR was filed against all the senior KSCA officials, including President Raghuram Bhat, Secretary A. Shankar, and Treasurer E.S. Jairam.

KSCA filed a Petition with the Karnataka High Court, basically saying that they were not responsible except for arranging for permissions and putting up the infrastructure. The crowd management and event planning, they claimed, were carried out by RCB and its events partner, DNA Entertainment Networks. The letter presented also emphasized that gate management and delivery were under RCB and DNA, in cooperation with local officials.

High Court Intervention and KSCA Resignations

The Karnataka High Court, on suo motu notice of the incident, has stopped the police from acting against KSCA officials until the next hearing on June 16. It also asked the state government to file a status report by June 10.

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In the face of growing questions and public outrage, KSCA Secretary A. Shankar and Treasurer E.S. Jairam resigned. While KSCA still maintains that it played no part in crowd management outside the stadium, the resignations have been interpreted as an attempt to help take the heat out of the situation while investigations continue.

A magisterial inquiry has been launched into the tragic stampede near the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL triumph celebrations on Wednesday, June 4. The stampede claimed the lives of 11 people and injured over 50. G. Jagadeesha, the Bengaluru Urban district Deputy Commissioner, heading the investigation, declared that notices will be served on several parties involved, such as the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), RCB officials, event promoters, and City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda.

Jagadeesha personally went to the stadium on Thursday to inspect the ground and assured that a detailed inquiry is on the go. "I am launching the inquiry today and will not make any conclusions until facts are collected," he said in a statement to the media. He added that the probe would be finished within 15 days and a report would be given to the government. Jagadeesha also explained that he was not the officer who grants event permits, as this is the domain of the Police Commissioner.

The disaster has caused outrage among the public and political debate throughout the state. On this, the Karnataka State Government had previously declared a complete magisterial inquiry into the accident and vowed to prosecute those involved. The unruly crowd of an estimated thousand or more reportedly overwhelmed the capacity of the stadium, presenting a dangerous scenario that eventually degenerated into tragedy.

New SOPs for Crowd Control on the Way

State Home Minister G. Parameshwara, in his press statement after the incident, has assured that the government will introduce a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in order to better handle large public gatherings. The new norms will ensure safety for the future by improving the planning and crowd control.

Also Read: RCB team management take huge step to support families of those affected in M Chinnaswamy stampede

Parameshwara promised the public that action would be taken strictly against the administrative deficiencies that caused the stampede. "We are committed to identifying the gaps and making sure such an incident never happens again," he said, reiterating the government's commitment to putting public safety first.

Following the disastrous stampede at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) announced very robust support for the impacted families/individuals. In an official announcement, the franchise has confirmed a premium support of ₹10 lakh each for all eleven families that lost their loved ones in the incident.

The stampede took place during a large public reception event to welcome the RCB team back to Bengaluru after their remarkable inaugural IPL title. The overwhelming turnout unfortunately led to crowd control issues, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities. RCB expressed deep regret and assured fans that the RCB franchise prioritizes fan safety first.

Besides the compensation for the deceased, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have launched a relief program called ‘RCB Cares’ to also help those affected to recover if injured, so they too receive support. The fund will be used for medical costs and provide ongoing support to aid recovery of victims.

RCB Stands by Its Fans

"RCB Cares" is launched in conjunction with hospitals, local authorities, and NGOs to provide injured fans the critical medical care or emotional support inherent in RCB Cares. One way for any franchise to express that they are not only committed to cricket but also to that larger community that invests every bit of passion into supporting it.

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As RCB continues to celebrate its first IPL title, they are choosing to lead with compassion and accountability. Their quick and thoughtful response to this tragedy is recognized and demonstrated by fans and the cricket community, reinforcing the critical human values of empathy and accountability for any human-to-human interaction.

What was meant to be a day of celebration for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and their passionate fanbase turned into a horrific tragedy outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. As thousands of fans gathered to witness RCB’s historic victory parade after their maiden IPL title, the crowd’s excitement quickly spiraled out of control. What began with chants and celebrations soon descended into scenes of chaos, as crowd control measures proved woefully inadequate. The situation escalated within hours, resulting in a deadly stampede that shocked the entire cricketing community.

The stampede claimed the lives of 11 fans, casting a dark shadow over what should have been a jubilant occasion. Dozens more were injured, with many still undergoing treatment. Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes of people getting trampled and cries for help going unheard in the sea of noise. While fans were eager to share the victory moment with their heroes, the lack of barricades, emergency exits, and security personnel only made things worse. Emergency services arrived late, adding to the grief and anger. The entire nation has been left shaken by the sheer scale of the mismanagement and loss.

See Also: IPL 2025: RCB team management comes up with official statement on stampede at M Chinnaswamy

The aftermath of the tragedy has triggered widespread outrage. Authorities and organizers have started trading blame, with the BCCI finding itself at the center of criticism. Many are questioning how such a large-scale event was allowed to take place without proper safety protocols. Social media is abuzz with demands for accountability, and public trust in the governing bodies has taken a massive hit. What was meant to be a proud, emotional milestone for RCB has now become one of the darkest chapters in IPL history.

BCCI responds strongly to the criticism 

Amidst heightened criticism, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal shares a strong message on the deadly stampede that took place outside the stadium, leaving several injured or dead. Dhumal clarified that the BCCI had no role to play in organizing the RCB victory parade event in the aftermath of the final. He expressed deep sorrow and regret for those who lost their lives in the stampede, but added that the governing body can't be blamed for this fiasco. 

“It is sad and tragic. The celebrations turned into a tragedy. Our heartfelt condolences go to the families who lost their loved ones. For the BCCI, the IPL concluded last night. We had no knowledge of such an incident occurring, so how can we be held responsible for it?”

Moreover, he also questioned the absence of IPL officials who, in his opinion, should have been present in huge numbers. Organizing RCB's victory parade came at a very short notice, almost a day after the IPL 2025 final concluded. This gave very little time for the authorities to brace themselves for what was to come. The news of the deceased fans outside the stadium compelled Dhumal to get in touch with RCB. He then advised the franchise to take stock of the situation and wrap up the celebration as quickly as possible before it could spiral further out of control. 

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) came back home to a hero's welcome after their first-ever IPL championship triumph, a sad incident occurred in different parts of the city. Demands for huge gatherings broke out in different places in Bengaluru, predominantly in the vicinity of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulting in a jostle-like situation that allegedly claimed casualties.

In response, the management of the RCB has issued an official statement conveying sorrow and solidarity with the families. "We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon," the franchise noted. "The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us."

The statement further states that as soon as the RCB squad became aware of the situation, they also quickly changed their plans to return home. The franchise worked together with local authorities to ensure that the balance of the events were then conducted with maximum safety.

"Heartfelt Condolences" and Appeal for Safety

In a statement that was both sorrowful and responsible, RCB conveyed their deepest condolences to the grieving families who lost dear lives. "RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extends our heartfelt condolences to the affected families," the statement added.

Also Read: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Massive crowd gather at Vidhana Soudha for RCB

The team also appealed to fans to stay safe and vigilant at this time of jubilation. As the city was still under the emotional wave of RCB's IPL 2025 win, the words were a reminder of the need to keep the public above fanfare. The team is likely to conduct a more organized and secure celebratory function in cooperation with the Bengaluru administration in the coming days.

"It is dangerous; don't go there," horrific faces uttered these words to the media. They somehow managed to pull themselves out from the out-of-control gathering at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium to participate in the IPL-winning celebration with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Entry into the stadium was limited; only persons with valid tickets or passes were allowed to enter the stadium. But there, outside the stadium, it was like everyone was trying to witness the felicitation ceremony of RCB live from the gallery. That created chaos and a rush. Initial reports suggested that at least 3 people lost their lives; later, the number increased to 11.

An eyewitness said to the media on camera, "I don't know how I came out. People are crazy there. My legs are in pain; I can't walk properly right now. More than 40 to 50 people literally fell on a woman; many people were lying unconscious. Don't know how we managed to come out from there."

Confirmation from the government and a statement from PMO India

"11 people died and 33 were injured in the stampede. This tragedy should not have happened. The government expresses deep sorrow over this incident," Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said in a press conference.

Read More: Horrifying scenes from Bengaluru, multiple deaths reported in stampede during celebration

PM Narendra Modi has shown condolences for the deaths in the tragic incident. A tweet from PMO India stated, "The mishap in Bengaluru is absolutely heartrending. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those who are injured have a speedy recovery: PM."

The mishap in Bengaluru is absolutely heartrending. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those who are injured have a speedy recovery: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 4, 2025

In the aftermath of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's historic first Indian Premier League (IPL) championship win in 2025, tearful Virat Kohli spoke before a full M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in the team's homecoming ceremony. The crowd was charged up with thousands of people shouting "Kohli, Kohli" in unity, which led to the RCB legend asking for a short break. "I don't have much time. We need to wrap this up." We have to display our trophy," he smiled, calling upon the crowd to allow him to speak.

Kohli started his address with a statement that marked the end of an 18-year waiting game: "It's no more Ee Saala Cup Namde. It's Ee Saala Cup Namdu. We have done it." His words renewed cheerfulness all over the stadium. He had the victory dedicated to RCB's faithful supporters and the city of Bengaluru in appreciation of their unstinting support during almost two decades of ups and downs. "This victory is not merely for the players but also for the supporters, the people of this great city," he further said.

Emotionally touched, Kohli praised the RCB supporters as unrivaled in international sport. "I have never seen any fanbase of any team in the world like you guys. Congratulations to all of you," he asserted. His humility and sense of appreciation touched the hearts of the wave of fans who had supported Kohli since the beginning of the franchise.

A Special Tribute to RCB's New Captain

Kohli then addressed the team's new captain, Rajat Patidar, who led RCB to their first title. Going back to the pre-season 'Unbox' function, Kohli reminded supporters how he stood up for Patidar being a future leader. "I said one thing very clearly: 'This guy is going to lead us for a long time to come,'" Kohli said, calling on supporters to hail their new captain loudly.

Watch the video here

#WATCH | Virat Kohli praises #RoyalChallengersBengaluru captain Rajat Patidar as RCB ended their 18-year-long wait and won their maiden IPL trophy yesterday after defeating Punjab Kings

"He will lead us for a long time," says Virat Kohli

(Visuals from M Chinnaswamy Stadium in… pic.twitter.com/V1W8GrR5Qg

— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2025

Also Read: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Massive crowd gather at Vidhana Soudha for RCB

With such words from the heart, Kohli welcomed the man of the hour: "He has won the trophy for us in the first season. Welcome our captain, Rajat Patidar." The crowd went wild once again, signing off on a historic moment not only for RCB but for its history and future.

On June 4, 2025, Bengaluru was buzzing with excitement as thousands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans gathered at Vidhana Soudha to celebrate the team's first Indian Premier League (IPL) Championship. After 18 years of waiting, RCB finally won their first IPL trophy after winning against Punjab Kings by six runs in the nail-biting final in Ahmedabad. The streets were full of excited fans waving red and black flags and chanting the ever popular "Ee Sala Cup Namde."

The festivities were officially launched with a grand felicitation ceremony at Vidhana Soudha, with Karnataka's political leaders stepping forward to felicitate the champions. The team bus, headed by skipper Rajat Patidar and star batsman Virat Kohli, was met with an avalanche of people. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar personally felicitated the players, presenting them with garlands, Mysuru turbans, and plaques in appreciation of their great achievement.

The energy was palpable as fans of the RCB from all parts of the city came to cheer for their heroes irrespective of their political allegiance. Social media was saturated with pictures and videos of the celebratory mood while chants and cheers spilled over into the surrounding areas. The victory was not only a testament to the team’s dedication but also a celebration of Bengaluru’s unwavering love for cricket.

Grand Celebrations Across Bengaluru

Beyond the Vidhana Soudha, the city was alive with festivities. Streets from HAL Airport to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium saw large crowds clad in RCB colors, creating a vibrant sea of red and black. An open-top bus parade was also planned but scrapped in light of Bengaluru's traffic and congestion. Instead, the team was able to get to Chinnaswamy Stadium for a special celebratory event.

Watch the video here

THE CROWD OUTSIDE VIDHANA SOUDHA FOR RCB 🤯 pic.twitter.com/13YK0AzpYz

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 4, 2025

Also Read: RCB create history on and off field with massive IPL viewership milestone

At the stadium, the players were joined by RCB legends like AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle, adding to the excitement.  Fireworks lit the sky while chants of "Ee Sala Cup Namde" reverberated throughout the city. Bengaluru will bond as a city of pride and joy with this historic victory, thanks to spectacular play and key-player performances. All RCB fans will cherish these memories forever.