Bengaluru stampede: RCB and KSCA pledge ₹5 lakh support to families of victims

The celebratory atmosphere in Bengaluru turned tragic following the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) historic IPL 2025 title win, as stampedes during the team's victory celebrations claimed 11 lives and injured over 30 people.

Nearly two lakh fans flooded the area outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, far exceeding the expected turnout and overwhelming crowd control efforts.

In response, RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) issued a joint statement expressing their sorrow and announcing financial aid to the bereaved families.

“RCB - KSCA expresses deep concern and heartfelt condolences regarding the unfortunate incident that occurred during the celebration organised by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium earlier today,” the statement read.

“We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of life and the injuries sustained by individuals during this event. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this incident. We sincerely regret this tragedy and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families during this extremely difficult time,” it added.

The organisations clarified that the gesture is not meant to equate the loss of life, but to provide some support during this time of mourning.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also addressed the tragedy during a press conference, revealing that the turnout had vastly exceeded expectations. While the Chinnaswamy Stadium has a capacity of 35,000, an estimated two to three lakh people had gathered.

"The crowd turnout exceeded all expectations. Over one lakh people gathered in front of Vidhana Soudha, but no untoward incident occurred at that venue. However, the tragedy occurred at Chinnaswamy Stadium. No one anticipated this - neither the cricket association nor the government. The stadium has a seating capacity of 35,000, but an estimated two to three lakh people turned up. We did not expect such a massive turnout; we had only anticipated a crowd equal to the stadium's capacity," Siddaramaiah said.

Offering condolences, the Chief Minister added, “My condolences to the grieving families of those who lost their loved ones.” He also announced a state compensation of ₹10 lakh to each victim’s family and assured free medical treatment for the injured.

The tragedy has sparked criticism from the opposition. Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra Yediyurappa held the Congress-led government responsible for the lapses and accused it of prioritising publicity over public safety.

“Was it not the responsibility of the state government to be prepared for this? More than 11 lives are lost. The chief minister should answer for this,” he told NDTV.

“This is not the first time. In the last World Cup, more than a lakh people were there. The state government managed the crowd. The state government was aware more than a lakh will turn up [today], should they have not been prepared?” he said. “Unfortunately, the state government was more interested in publicity than people's safety.”