RCB's Maiden IPL Trophy Celebration Turns Tragic multiple Dead in Stampede-Like Chaos in Bengaluru

What was supposed to be a celebratory day turned to tragedy for Bengaluru on Wednesday, June 4. As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebrations descended into a crowd-controlled chaos, overcrowding and a stampede-like situation led to the deaths of at least 11 people near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

A crowd of thousands had gathered for the anticipated RCB felicitation by Chief Minister of Karnataka, and subsequent celebrations at the stadium. However, a lack of coordination and clarity led to widespread confusion. RCB announced the celebratory parade on social media, but the Bengaluru Traffic Police stated that there was no parade scheduled, leaving the public uncertain about any future plans.

As the disarray grew, fans began to scale the stadium walls while the police had no control over the situation. Mild lathi charges were reported, with videos posted by news agency ANI showing police begging the public to work with them.

During the turmoil, an open-top bus parade was cancelled due to a sudden burst of rain. RCB were still celebrating in the stadium, but outside circumstances were bleak. The Bowring Hospital confirmed six deaths, and Vydehi Hospital recorded an additional four. One more death brought the total to eleven.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar apologized to the people of Karnataka, acknowledging the failure of the administration to control the crowd. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia described the incident as "unfortunate" and criticized the lack of planning. "There have been IPL celebrations before, but they have been coordinated well and tragedies like this didn’t happen until now."

RCB issued a statement expressing profound sadness over the deaths, and condolences to the family members. The franchise affirmed it takes public safety very seriously, and when the unfortunate incident became known it changed its program with local authorities.

This tragic event suddenly erased a historic triumph for RCB in the IPL and illustrates the very serious need for crowd management during a major public event.