Karnataka Government Holds RCB Responsible for Bengaluru Stampede Tragedy
In a shocking turn, the Karnataka government blames RCB for the Bengaluru stampede that killed 11. Here’s the full story behind the IPL victory parade tragedy.
đ A Victory Parade That Ended in Grief
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were at the peak of glory after clinching their first-ever IPL trophy in 18 years. The streets of Bengaluru buzzed with excitement as a celebratory parade was announced for June 4, 2025, to honor the champions. However, what should have been a joyful event turned into a tragedy when a massive crowd surge at Chinnaswamy Stadium led to a stampede that killed 11 people and injured over 50 others.
đ˘ What Went Wrong?
The Karnataka government has now submitted a detailed report to the High Court, holding RCB, event partner DNA Networks, and KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association) responsible for the incident.
The key allegation: RCB went ahead with the parade without proper police permission. Only a late âintimationâ was filed on June 3 â just a day before the event â rather than obtaining mandatory prior approval. Despite this, invitations were circulated widely on social media. Influential figures like Virat Kohli promoted the event, fueling anticipation and leading thousands to gather.
đ§ââď¸ Legal Backing: RCB Found Prima Facie Guilty
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) supported the stateâs stance, stating that RCB and its partners were prima facie responsible. The judicial inquiry commission reinforced this, revealing that:
- The crowd was misled into believing entry was free.
- RCB continued promotions despite police denial of permission.
- There were no proper safety, barricading, or emergency measures in place.
đŽââď¸ Police Under Fire â Then Defended
Initially, the Karnataka government also pointed fingers at the police department, accusing them of behaving like âRCBâs servantsâ by deploying security without proper authorization. Later, the narrative shifted slightly. The government admitted the police should have refused security cover outright, and five senior officers were suspended.
However, this move stirred controversy, with critics stating that the administration was trying to shift blame after failing to regulate the event.
𧨠Political Drama Unfolds
As expected, politics entered the fray.
- The BJP strongly criticized the Congress-led government, accusing it of passing the buck.
- They claimed senior ministers had themselves invited fans to the event.
- BJP leaders demanded an apology for the suspended officers and questioned the credibility of the investigation.
This blame game has left many citizens frustrated, as responsibility seems to be tossed between the RCB team, organizers, police, and government â while the victims’ families await justice.
đ Key Findings from the Report
Hereâs what stood out from the inquiry:
- No formal event clearance was obtained â only a last-minute notification was sent.
- Virat Kohliâs promotional video contributed to a massive surge in public turnout.
- RCBâs social media pages continued to encourage fans despite police disapproval.
- Fans arrived thinking no tickets were required, leading to overcrowding.
- Barricades, entry control, signage, and medical staff were missing.
â ď¸ The Big Question: Who Owns the Responsibility?
- RCB and its partners are under fire for negligence and unauthorized planning.
- The state police face criticism for going ahead with security despite no green signal.
- The Karnataka government faces heat for failing to stop the event or ensure public safety.
- And the political leaders are being called out for allegedly using the celebration for optics, without managing risks.
𧊠A Tragic Lesson
This heartbreaking incident is a stark reminder that mass gatherings demand strict coordination between organizers, local authorities, and law enforcement. No matter how exciting the occasion, public safety must come first.
As investigations continue and calls for accountability grow louder, one can only hope that the lives lost serve as a wake-up call for stricter regulations in future events.