Bengaluru Police File FIR Against RCB After Stampede Kills 11 Fans During IPL 2025 Celebration

Bengaluru Police File FIR Against RCB After Tragic Stampede Claims 11 Lives

Bengaluru, June 6, 2025 – The Bengaluru Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise, along with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and event management company DNA Entertainment, following a devastating stampede that killed 11 fans and injured over 50 others during celebrations for RCB’s first-ever IPL victory on June 4, 2025.

The tragic incident occurred outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where thousands of fans had gathered to celebrate RCB’s historic win against Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final. According to police reports, the event organizers proceeded with a victory parade and felicitation ceremony despite being denied permission due to concerns over crowd management. The FIR, filed at Cubbon Park Police Station, cites charges under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, voluntarily causing hurt, and unlawful assembly.

The stampede unfolded as an estimated 2-3 lakh fans converged around the stadium, far exceeding its capacity of 35,000. Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes, with fans attempting to scale walls and push through narrow gates to catch a glimpse of players, including RCB’s star, Virat Kohli. The overwhelming crowd led to a deadly crush, with victims, including a 14-year-old student and several young adults, succumbing to injuries caused by asphyxiation and trauma.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep shock over the incident, announcing a judicial inquiry led by retired High Court judge Michael D’Cunha to investigate the lapses. “This was a celebration meant to unite fans, but it has turned into an unimaginable tragedy,” he said, confirming the suspension of senior police officials, including the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner, for failing to manage the situation. The state government has pledged INR 10 lakh in compensation for the families of the deceased and free medical care for the injured.

RCB issued a statement expressing grief and announced financial aid of INR 10 lakh per family of the victims, alongside the creation of ‘RCB Cares,’ a fund to support those injured. “Our fans are the heart of RCB, and we are committed to cooperating fully with the authorities,” the statement read.

The Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident, directing the state to submit a detailed report by June 10. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Criminal Investigation Department has been tasked with probing the circumstances leading to the tragedy. Public outrage has grown, with many criticizing the lack of coordination between the organizers and authorities, and opposition leaders labeling the incident as a result of “gross negligence.”

As Bengaluru mourns, calls for stricter regulations on public gatherings have intensified, with the government considering new guidelines to prevent such tragedies in the future.