Free-entry announcement, narrow entry gate and overwhelming crowd surge blamed for tragic stampede during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s IPL 2025 victory celebration.
June 5, 2025: A moment of celebration turned tragic in Bengaluru on Wednesday as a stampede at the Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and left 47 injured, following the free-entry felicitation ceremony for IPL 2025 champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Also Read: Virat Kohli’s Insta Post for Anushka Sharma Goes Viral After RCB’s Big Win! Watch
What Triggered the Stampede?
The tragedy unfolded when an unexpected surge of people converged on the stadium after the announcement that entry would be free for all to witness the RCB team’s felicitation. Initially, only limited passes were being distributed. However, with few managing to obtain them, the free-entry declaration led to uncontrolled crowds rushing the venue.
Also REad: Six-Run Blitz Lifts Royals Over Cardinals in Caglianone’s First MLB Game
According to police and eyewitness accounts, thousands of fans flooded the stadium from all directions. With a narrow entry point and no staggered access control, the crowd quickly overwhelmed security barricades.
People were crushed and trampled as barricades collapsed and individuals at the front fell under pressure from behind. Visuals showed several unconscious or injured fans being rushed to nearby hospitals.
Also Read: From Winners to Playoffs: IPL 2025 Prize Money You Can’t Miss!
Emotional Context Behind the Crowd Surge
RCB’s first-ever IPL title win after 18 seasons has sparked widespread euphoria across Karnataka. The emotional significance attached to the victory meant massive public interest, especially among the youth, in attending the team’s felicitation.
Government Response
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered a high-level investigation, with a report expected within 15 days.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who expressed condolences, said:
“We had arranged for over 5,000 police personnel. But lakhs turned up. We tried to keep the programme short — it ended in 10 minutes. This is a young, vibrant crowd. We couldn’t resort to force like lathicharge.”
Crowds also gathered outside Vidhana Soudha, where the RCB team met the Chief Minister earlier in the day.
Authorities are now under scrutiny for failing to anticipate the crowd size and not establishing adequate safety and crowd management protocols, especially after shifting from a pass-based system to free public access.
Tags:
Bengaluru stampede, RCB victory, Chinnaswamy Stadium, IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bangalore, crowd control failure, DK Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah, Karnataka news, stampede investigation