RCB Victory Parade Turns Tragic: 11 Dead in Stampede Outside Chinnaswamy Stadium

National News: A jubilant celebration turned tragic when a stampede outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL 2025 victory parade. Following RCB’s historic six-run win over Punjab Kings, thousands gathered to honor the team, but chaos erupted, leaving 15 injured. The incident has sparked grief and raised urgent questions about crowd safety measures.

The parade, celebrating RCB’s maiden title win against Punjab Kings by six runs, drew thousands of fans to Bengaluru’s streets, from Vidhana Soudha to the stadium. What began as a joyous occasion turned chaotic as overwhelming crowds led to a stampede-like situation, leaving 15 others injured and casting a somber shadow over the city’s festivities.

Chaos Amidst the Festivities

The victory parade, flagged off by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, saw fans thronging to catch a glimpse of RCB stars like Virat Kohli and captain Rajat Patidar. By 5:36 p.m. IST, the crowd outside Chinnaswamy Stadium swelled beyond control, with estimates of over 20,000 attendees. Narrow entry points and insufficient barricading led to a crush near the stadium’s Gate 7, where the fatalities occurred. Karnataka Police deployed mild force to manage the situation, while Namma Metro skipped Cubbon Park and M.G. Road stations to prevent further congestion. The victims, whose identities are yet to be disclosed, included two young adults and an elderly fan.

#WATCH | Bengaluru: Fans of #RoyalChallengersBengaluru gather in large numbers outside Vidhana Soudha to catch a glimpse of their champion team #RoyalChallengersBengaluru team will arrive at Vidhana Soudha, where they will be felicitated by the Karnataka government… pic.twitter.com/axXtpvIU1m

Response and Investigations

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep condolences, announcing ₹5 lakh compensation for each victim’s family. The Bengaluru Police have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on crowd management lapses and event planning by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Initial reports suggest inadequate security personnel and poor coordination contributed to the chaos. The injured are receiving treatment at Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, with three in critical condition. RCB issued a statement mourning the loss and pledged support for relief efforts.

Lessons for the Future

The tragedy has sparked outrage over Bengaluru’s preparedness for large-scale events, with civic activists demanding stricter safety protocols. Calls for better crowd control measures, such as wider entry points and real-time monitoring, are growing.