Royal Challengers Bengaluru named in FIR over stampede outside Chinnaswamy stadium

On June 4, 2025, a terrible stampede happened outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This was during a huge celebration after the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cricket team won their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title. Unfortunately, 11 people died and many others were injured in the stampede.

Following this tragedy, the Cubbon Park police filed a First Information Report (FIR) naming the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the event management company DNA Entertainment Private Limited, and the administrative committee of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). The FIR holds them responsible for the incident and includes serious charges under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita laws.

What happened during the stampede?

The celebration outside the stadium was very large. Fans gathered to cheer and celebrate RCB’s historic win in the IPL. But the number of people who showed up was far beyond the stadium's capacity. The stadium can hold about 35,000 people, but reports say that 2 to 3 lakh (200,000 to 300,000) fans came to join the celebration outside.

This massive crowd created a dangerous situation. As people pushed and moved around, chaos broke out leading to a stampede. During the rush and panic, 11 people lost their lives and many others got hurt. Some people lost their shoes or belongings while trying to escape. Barriers were broken or fell down during the crowd crush.

Police and emergency workers rushed to help the injured. Many were taken to hospitals, including Bowring Hospital and other medical centers across Bengaluru. The exact cause of the stampede is still under investigation, but overcrowding and lack of proper crowd control were major factors.

After the stampede, the police registered an FIR against the responsible parties. The FIR was filed at Cubbon Park police station and named three key entities:

1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – The cricket team whose victory was being celebrated.

2. DNA Entertainment Private Limited – The company that managed the event.

3. Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) administrative committee – The organization responsible for managing cricket in Karnataka and the stadium.

The FIR includes serious legal sections from the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (India’s new penal code), such as:

• Section 105: Culpable homicide not amounting to murder (death caused by negligence or rashness).

• Section 115: Voluntarily causing hurt.

• Section 118: Causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous means.

• Section 190: Liability of unlawful assembly members for crimes committed in pursuit of their common goal.

• Section 132: Assault or force used to stop a public servant from doing their duty.

• Section 125(12): Acts endangering life or safety of others.

• Section 142: Unlawful assembly.

• Section 121: Abetment of an offence.

These charges mean that the police believe the organizations involved failed in their duty to keep people safe, which led to deaths and injuries. The investigation will examine how the event was managed and whether proper safety measures were followed.

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Government and public response

The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, spoke about the incident. He said that the stadium and surrounding areas could not handle such a huge crowd. Though the stadium’s official capacity is 35,000 people, 200,000 to 300,000 fans gathered for the celebration outside, which caused the dangerous overcrowding.

The government announced compensation of ₹10 lakh (one million rupees) for the families of each person who died in the stampede. It also promised to provide free medical treatment to all those injured, including those admitted to different hospitals.

In addition, Karnataka’s state authorities pledged to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure justice is done for the victims.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru team expressed deep sadness and grief over the tragedy. They released a statement saying the incident caused great pain to the entire RCB family.

To support the victims’ families, RCB promised to provide ₹10 lakh in financial help to each of the eleven families who lost loved ones. The team also announced the creation of a fund called RCB Cares to assist fans who were injured in the stampede.

This showed the team’s commitment to stand with their supporters and help in any way possible during this difficult time.

Why did the stampede happen?

Crowd disasters like this often happen when too many people gather in a small area without enough control or safety measures. Some key reasons why this stampede occurred could be:

• Overcrowding: Too many people outside the stadium at once, far exceeding safe limits.

• Poor crowd management: Lack of proper planning for how to handle such a big crowd.

• Insufficient barriers and exits: Not enough safe ways for people to enter and leave the area.

• Excitement and rush: People pushing to get closer to the stadium or to see their favorite team.

• Lack of communication: Fans might not have received clear instructions on where to gather or move safely.

Authorities managing public events must carefully plan for crowd control, especially during large celebrations, to avoid tragedies like this.

The stampede was a shocking and tragic event for many families. Losing a loved one suddenly in such a way is very painful. The compensation money from the government and RCB helps a little but cannot replace the loss.

Many injured people are still recovering in hospitals. The trauma and injuries will take time to heal, and some may face long-term health issues.

Fans of RCB and cricket lovers all over India feel the sadness deeply. A victory celebration turning into a tragedy has left many shocked and heartbroken.

The police will continue investigating the incident to find out exactly what went wrong and who is responsible. The FIR shows the seriousness of the case and that legal action will be taken.

The event management company, RCB, and KSCA committee will have to explain their roles and prove whether they followed safety rules. If found guilty, they may face penalties or other legal consequences.

The government will likely review safety protocols for future events in Bengaluru and other cities. This tragedy should serve as a lesson on how to better manage large crowds and keep people safe.

Crowd safety is very important, especially at big public events like sports matches, festivals, and concerts. Organizers must:

• Know the capacity of the venue and not allow more people than it can hold safely.

• Use clear signage and communication to guide crowds.

• Have enough exits and emergency plans in place.

• Work closely with police and emergency services for security.

• Monitor the crowd continuously to prevent overcrowding or panic.

By following these rules, future disasters can be prevented.

While investigations continue, it is important to remember the 11 people who lost their lives in this tragic stampede. They were fans who came to celebrate a historic victory but lost their lives due to poor safety measures.

Communities, cricket fans, and the city mourn their loss. Many are calling for stricter laws and better safety at public events to honor the memory of those who died.

The stampede outside Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium was a heartbreaking tragedy that cost 11 lives and injured many. The FIR against RCB, the event manager, and KSCA committee shows the authorities’ intent to hold those responsible accountable.

The government’s compensation and RCB’s support to families show some care in the aftermath. But the main need is to learn from this incident and improve safety at all large events to protect lives.

This tragedy reminds everyone how important it is to plan and manage crowds carefully. Only then can celebrations remain joyful and safe for all.