Bengaluru: As a result of the devastating stampede that occurred during an IPL victory parade in Bengaluru, claiming the lives of 11 individuals, the Karnataka government has issued a statement holding both RCB and BCCI accountable. The government further alleges that both parties failed to manage the overwhelming number of people drawn by social media attention.
Tragic events unfolded on June 4, 2025, when RCB clinched the IPL title, leading to celebrations at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. A stampede erupted, resulting in an astonishing 11 fatalities and 33 injuries. The subsequent court hearing on June 11 of the same year presented the state’s rationale for suing RCB and BCCI, claiming they organised the event without gaining adequate permits. The state’s advocate, General Shashi Kiran Shetty, emphasised, “The whole world” was invited through social media, and entry regulations were absent, as well as any form of government sanction.
Shetty disclosed that RCB informed the state of a planned victory parade an hour before the IPL final on June 3, treating it as a notification and not seeking permission. The last-minute notification together with social media marketing brought in an estimated 3.5 to 4 lakh fans. This number was far more than the stadium’s capacity of 33,000. The government contended that the absence of barriers, signage, and crowd control systems contributed directly to the disaster.
The High Court was hearing the petitions from four people, including RCB’s marketing head Nikhil Sosale, who challenged the arrest through a motion linked to the stampede. Sosale, detained at the Bengaluru airport, termed his arrest as, “illegal” and claimed that the only punishment police received was a suspension while the people in charge of the event were arrested. The court ordered the state to file a detailed status report by June 10.
As a matter of fact, Shetty highlighted the deal between RCB and BCCI under which the franchise was given complete jurisdiction over gate control, ticket sales and security at the venue. “They did not specify who would be permitted entry. Their social media posts stated that everyone was invited, referencing RCB’s tweet on June 4 about the parade and the unlimited free passes.
The Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “We did not anticipate this crowd,” adding that “1 lakh fans had gathered near Vidhana Soudha alone.” He has announced a judicial inquiry with a retired judge, John Michael Cunha, and ordered compensation of ₹25 lakh for the families of the victims.
The Indian Premier League’s (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal said, “We had no knowledge of any victory parade or celebrations planned in Bengaluru,” hence, BCCI distanced itself. On the contrary, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia admitted shortcomings, stating that, “When one organises a victory celebration of this magnitude, proper precautions need to be taken.”
The Bengaluru stampede has highlighted the lack of planning and crowd control for events that are expected to draw large crowds, kicking off the blame war between the RCB, the Karnataka government, and the BCCI. As legal proceedings and investigations continue, the disaster reveals the need to enforce stricter laws concerning public gatherings and the devastation that can result if such tragedies are not anticipated.
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