On June 4, 2025, a tragic stampede outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and injured over 50 during celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) first IPL title in 18 years. An estimated 2–3 lakh fans gathered around the 35,000-capacity stadium, overwhelming security. Panic erupted when a metal gate broke, causing people to fall and struggle for air.
Sequence of Events
Following RCB’s historic win, a victory parade and felicitation were planned, with the team welcomed by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Despite the government canceling the official parade from Vidhana Soudha to the stadium citing security concerns, massive crowds gathered—over one lakh at Vidhana Soudha and more than two lakh at the stadium.
Entry to the stadium was declared free, attracting unprecedented crowds. As gates closed and fans tried forcing entry through narrow points, chaos erupted between 3:30 and 5:00 pm, resulting in multiple stampedes. Though 1,380 police and additional security personnel were deployed, the crowd overwhelmed them. Medical teams were on site, but hospital access was hindered by overcrowding.
Reactions
Eleven died, over 50 were injured—mostly minor. Families of the deceased received ₹10 lakh from the Karnataka government and ₹5 lakh from the Karnataka State Cricket Association. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called the tragedy unforeseen and promised free medical care. Deputy CM Shivakumar expressed regret, highlighting the challenge of managing such a crowd.
RCB mourned the loss and stressed safety, while IPL chairman Arun Dhumal noted officials inside the stadium were initially unaware of the chaos and quickly ended the program. Bengaluru Police registered a suo moto case against RCB, KSCA, and event organizers, ordering a magisterial inquiry amid demands for accountability.
The tragedy has intensified calls for better crowd management at public events nationwide. Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar expressed his condolences:
"What happened at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, is beyond tragic. My heart goes out to every affected family. Wishing peace and strength to all."