Stampede at RCB victory celebration near Chinnaswamy Stadium kills 11

What should have been a night of unbridled celebration for Royal Challengers Bengaluru turned into tragedy when a stampede broke out near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday evening, leaving at least 11 people dead and several others injured. The incident occurred during the team’s victory event to mark their first-ever IPL title win.

According to eyewitnesses, thousands of fans had gathered outside the stadium, far exceeding the area’s crowd-handling capacity. Despite prior warnings and cancellation of the open-bus parade due to safety concerns, the event at the stadium proceeded. With limited security and no clear crowd control measures, the situation spiraled out of control.

Victims reportedly suffocated or fell in the chaos as fans pushed to get inside the stadium or closer to the stage area. Emergency response teams were slow to arrive, and many injured were shifted to hospitals in private vehicles. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed the stampede and said he would visit the injured.

The tragedy has triggered a fierce political row. BJP state president BY Vijayendra slammed the Congress-led government, accusing them of prioritising publicity over public safety. He demanded a judicial inquiry and alleged there were no ambulances or police arrangements on site when the incident occurred.