RCB blamed as the sole culprit for the Chinnaswamy Stampede that followed the IPL 2025 win
The Karnataka government has named RCB as the main perpetrator behind the unfortunate Chinnaswamy Stampede. The 18th edition of the IPL saw the fan-favorite franchise finally lift their maiden title. The 18-year-long wait for the coveted title concluded on 3 June 2025, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Punjab Kings to lift the IPL 2025 trophy. However, what was supposed to be a victory worth reminiscing for months to come swiftly turned into a nightmare for Bengaluru. On June 4, just a day after the historic win, RCB hit the Bengaluru streets to celebrate their win. However, the passionate fans fell victim to mismanagement as a stampede brewed around Chinnaswamy Stadium. Now, the fault for the mismanagement that caused the loss of 11 lives has been pinned on the franchise.
Karnataka Government pins the Chinnaswamy Stampede on RCB and KSCA
In a report submitted by the Karnataka government to the High Court, the authorities have kept RCB at the centre of the chaos that unfolded in the city. Eleven people were reported dead and over 30 were injured in the stampede around Chinnaswamy following RCB's IPL 2025 win. As the team celebrated their historic win inside the iconic stadium, the crowd outside the venue fought for its life. The initial report submitted by the government, which has been made public now, has shown RCB as the main culprit for the confusion that led to the gross mismanagement at Chinnaswamy.
In a detailed description of the events leading up to the stampede, the government mentioned RCB announcing the victory parade in the early hours of the morning. The Karnataka government highlighted that the franchise and the event management company, DNA, didn't seek any formal permission for their celebratory parade. Moreover, the authorities alleged that RCB merely informed the police. Furthermore, the government explained that throughout the day, RCB posted content that drove the masses to hit the venue, using a video of Virat Kohli and the promise of free entry to attract the crowd to Chinnaswamy.
It was only after 3:00 pm that RCB announced the requirement of entry passes to join the celebration at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, it was too late by then, as a significant crowd had already accumulated around the venue. With such short notice, the police were unable to handle the crowd, leading to the stampede and police personnel getting injured. The government, in its report, named RCB, DNA, and the KSCA responsible for the stampede with the explanation.
The report stated that a staff member from DNA Networks Private Limited submitted an intimation letter on behalf of the CEO of the Karnataka State Cricket Association. The letter outlined plans by RCB and DNA to organise a series of victory parades, which were to culminate in a grand celebration at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, according to the report, the Cubbon Park police station did not grant permission for the event, citing the absence of a formal application with complete details.
The report further noted that seven police personnel, including a Deputy Commissioner of Police-level officer, sustained injuries during the incident. Despite concerns of unrest, the celebration was allowed to begin at 5:30 pm with a shortened schedule, in an effort to prevent potential chaos that could arise from an abrupt cancellation.
Additionally, the report outlined key developments following the incident, details of FIRs filed, disciplinary action including suspensions of police officers, and the financial and logistical support extended to those affected. The document then moved on to address the questions posed by the High Court. Ironically, the Chief Minister of Karnataka was present at the Vidhan Soudha with the team as RCB brought the trophy to celebrate the IPL 2025 victory. Clearly aware of the situation and even a part of it on June 4, the Karnataka government has now pinned it all on the franchise.
