After a tragic stampede at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4 claimed 11 lives, the Bengaluru police filed an FIR naming Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as the prime accused in the incident. The stampede occurred during a massive celebration organised to mark RCB’s first-ever IPL title win.
According to the FIR, DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt. Ltd and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), who co-organised the event with RCB, have been named as the second and third accused respectively.
The incident unfolded when a crowd of about 2-3 lakh people gathered outside the stadium to join in the celebrations. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah acknowledged that the venue, with a maximum capacity of 35,000, was inadequate to handle such a crowd. “The situation spiraled out of control due to lack of crowd management and poor planning,” he said.
The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and assured free medical treatment for all the injured.
Revelations made in the FIR
As per the FIR, fans had begun gathering around Chinnaswamy Stadium early in the morning on June 4. A celebratory event with DJ music and entertainment, organised by RCB and DNA Entertainment in front of Gate 1, was held without necessary permissions or crowd safety arrangements.
“There were no barricades, emergency exits or a proper crowd management plan in place,” the FIR said. “From afternoon onwards, the swelling crowd became unmanageable. Around 5:00 PM, due to a lack of space and oxygen, the crowd started to panic. People began to run from the location in fear. Due to this sudden stampede-like situation, a few people fell on the ground and others trampled on them, leading to serious injuries,” it stated. Injured attendees were rushed to nearby hospitals, where at least 11 were declared dead.
The FIR directly attributes the incident to the “negligent, irresponsible and unscientific organisation” of the event.
Free passes, no coordination with authorities
The FIR also stated that the situation worsened because RCB’s social media accounts posted about free entry passes at the stadium gates. According to the FIR, “RCB did not inform the police or public about how passes would be distributed. This caused confusion among the lakhs of fans waiting outside, which led to overcrowding and the stampede.”
Legal proceedings underway
Based on the complaint, police have registered a case under BNS Sections 105, 115(2), 118(1), 118(2), 3(5), 109, 132 and 125(a)(b). The case has been submitted to the 41st Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Court for further proceedings.
The investigation is ongoing and police have recorded statements from eyewitnesses, injured persons, on-duty police personnel and medical staff. CCTV footage and mobile videos captured by bystanders have also been collected as evidence. Detailed inspection reports and eyewitness statements form part of the FIR documentation.