Bengaluru, June 4 (UNI) A bittersweet blend of jubilation and sorrow swept across Bengaluru on Wednesday as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) returned home with their maiden IPL title, even as a tragic stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium earlier in the day claimed 11 lives.
The stampede occurred outside the stadium prior to the event, leaving 11 dead and 33 injured, chief minister Siddaramiash said.
While no reference was made to the incident during the felicitation or fan interaction, it is believed the players were unaware of the unfolding tragedy at the time.
Thousands of jubilant fans had gathered near the gates of the stadium since early morning, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite players and the trophy. The situation spiralled out of control when the surging crowd overwhelmed entry points, triggering a deadly stampede.
"Thirty-three people have been injured, with 47 reported to have sustained varying levels of trauma initially. Some were discharged after treatment," the Chief Minister stated, adding that all injured individuals would receive free medical care.
The city had erupted in celebration as the newly-crowned champions were felicitated by the Karnataka government at the Vidhana Soudha. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah received the squad and presented mementoes to key players including Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar, both instrumental in RCB’s historic six-run win over Punjab Kings in the IPL final in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.
Even as the rains briefly interrupted the event, players were slowly escorted out and made their way to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where tens of thousands of fans had gathered to witness the long-awaited trophy celebration.
Inside a packed stadium, RCB players took centre stage atop the gallery, proudly flaunting the golden IPL trophy. Addressing the thunderous fans, Kohli declared: "It’s no more 'Ee Salaa Cup Namde, it’s 'Ee Salaa Cup Namdu'. We have done it — not just for the players or someone like me who has been here 18 years, but for all of you, the people of this wonderful city."
The team then took a victory lap, with Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya, Dinesh Karthik and others joining in the celebrations. Police personnel and organisers worked to manage the surging crowd and enthusiastic camerapersons.
The open-top bus parade from Vidhana Soudha to the stadium, originally scheduled as part of the victory procession, was shelved due to security reasons.
RCB’s maiden title win ends an 18-year wait and marks a crowning moment for both the franchise and star batsman Kohli, who has remained a loyal servant of the team since the IPL’s inception in 2008.
But as the fireworks lit up the sky and chants of "RCB" echoed through the night, Bengaluru remained painfully aware of the human cost that marred what should have been a wholly joyous homecoming. UNI BDN SSP