Bengaluru, June 4, 2025 — What was supposed to be a historic and celebratory day for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and their dedicated fans turned tragic on Wednesday evening, as a stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed more than 10 lives and left several others injured, according to early media reports.
Joyful Night Turns Tragic
The distressing incident unfolded with thousands of fans crowding outside the iconic stadium for the post-victory celebrations of RCB’s historic Indian Premier League (IPL) title. With excitement boiling over and security forces reportedly overwhelmed, chaos ensued as the crowd surged in an effort to enter the stadium gates, resulting in a mass stampede.
Massive Crowd Gathers Despite Parade Cancellation
Despite the Bengaluru Police having previously cancelled RCB’s planned open-bus victory parade over crowd-control concerns, fans still descended in massive numbers to the stadium, where the team was scheduled to be recognized and celebrate with supporters. Earlier in the day, the team had been formally congratulated by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar at the Vidhana Soudha.
Anarchy at the Gates: Security Overwhelmed
Eyewitnesses stated that security measures were inadequate to handle the overwhelming crowd, which was funneled into narrow entry points. Despite public advisories and warnings, many fans reportedly pushed through barricades and forced their way into tight passages, leading to a crush that caused several injuries and fatalities.
Celebrations Continue Amid Emergency Outside
Live visuals showed RCB players, including Virat Kohli and captain Rajat Patidar, continuing to celebrate with fans inside the stadium. The team hoisted the IPL trophy and took a victory lap, seemingly unaware of the developing emergency outside the gates. Chants of “RCB-RCB” echoed in the stadium as emergency vehicles began arriving to address the situation outside.
Emergency Services and Casualties
Unconfirmed reports suggest that over 10 people lost their lives in the stampede, with many more seriously injured and rushed to nearby hospitals. While official figures are yet to be confirmed by the authorities, numerous eyewitness accounts and relatives of victims have reported significant casualties. Emergency response efforts were delayed due to traffic congestion, further complicating hospital access.
Official Responses and Investigation
A senior police official stated, “Right now, we are focusing on dispersing the crowd and getting medical assistance to those who need it. Afterward, we will look into the failure of the plan that resulted in the problems.” The Karnataka state government is expected to formally announce an investigation into the incident.
RCB Players Acknowledge Fans’ Support
Celebrations on the field continued for some time before players addressed the crowd. Virat Kohli, in an emotional moment, described the victory as the culmination of years of belief and called RCB supporters “the best in the world.” Captain Rajat Patidar also briefly expressed gratitude for the fans’ loyalty throughout the season.
Questions About Crowd Control and Planning
This tragedy has sparked serious concerns about the adequacy of crowd management and planning by local authorities. Despite prior knowledge of the event’s significance and potential turnout, safety protocols appear to have been insufficient or improperly enforced.
A City Grieves Amid Historic Triumph
For the citizens of Bengaluru, RCB’s first-ever IPL title was meant to mark a moment of immense pride. However, what should have been a joyous occasion has been overshadowed by loss and mourning. Families are now left grappling with tragedy on a night meant for celebration.
The Karnataka government is expected to issue an official statement soon. This is an evolving story and will be updated as new information becomes available.
