Bengaluru, Jun 5 (UNI) A First Information Report (FIR) was registered against IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the event management firm DNA Entertainment, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on Thursday in connection with the stampede that left 11 dead and over 30 injured outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium here.
The incident occurred during RCB’s victory parade and public felicitation ceremony on Wednesday following their maiden IPL title win.
According to police, over two lakh fans had gathered outside the stadium, far exceeding its 35,000-seat capacity. Chaos broke out when fans without entry passes attempted to force their way into the venue alongside those holding valid tickets, triggering a deadly stampede.
The Cubbon Park police have booked RCB and co-organisers under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), Section 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), and Section 142 (unlawful assembly), among others.
The stampede has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious questions over the coordination between the franchise, event managers, and city authorities. Preliminary findings indicate that poor crowd control, over-issuance of free passes, and lack of adequate security arrangements contributed to the tragedy.
RCB, in an official statement, expressed “deep sorrow” over the loss of lives and offered condolences to the bereaved families. The franchise announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh to each of the 11 affected families and also launched a support initiative named ‘RCB Cares’ for injured fans.
“We are devastated by this tragic loss. As soon as we became aware of the situation, we immediately revised our programme in consultation with the local administration. We urge our supporters to stay safe and prioritise their well-being,” the statement read.
This incident has cast a pall over what was meant to be a historic and jubilant moment for RCB fans, as the team had secured their first-ever IPL title in a gripping final against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Further investigation is underway, and accountability is expected to be fixed in the coming days. UNI BDN SSP