Chaos at Chinnaswamy: Gate No. 7 Turns Deadly Amid Rumours of Free Ticket Distribution
A tragic stampede at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025, claimed 11 lives and injured 56 during celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL 2025 victory.
In response, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the suspension of Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda and all officers responsible for the jurisdiction of the stadium, pending an inquiry.
Judicial Commission Appointed, FIR Registered
The Chief Minister also declared a judicial probe into the incident, to be led by former Karnataka High Court judge Michael D’Cunha.
Following the stampede, the Cubbon Park Police filed an FIR against RCB, DNA Entertainment Private Limited, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on charges of culpable homicide and other serious offences.
Karnataka High Court Seeks Status Report
On June 5, 2025, the Karnataka High Court took suo motu cognisance of the tragedy and directed the state government to submit a detailed status report by June 10.
The court issued a notice to the government and began legal proceedings to assess responsibility for the incident. Medical officials reported that apart from six people still under treatment, the remaining injured had been discharged.
Young Lives Lost in the Stampede
All those who died were under the age of 40, with 14-year-old Divyanshi being the youngest victim.
The list of deceased also includes Doresha (32), Bhoomik (20), Sahana (25), Akshata (27), Manoj (33), Shravan (20), Devi (29), Shivalinga (17), Chinmayi (19), and Prajwal (20).
Most had come to cheer RCB, which secured its first IPL title after 18 years. Many were from Bengaluru, while others travelled from nearby districts.
Crowd Surge and Lack of Coordination Led to Disaster
The tragedy unfolded due to overwhelming crowds, poor planning, and inadequate preparation.
The simultaneous organisation of a felicitation at Vidhana Soudha involving Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot, CM Siddaramaiah, and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar strained police deployment.
Most security personnel were diverted to the Assembly complex, leaving too few to manage over 3 lakh fans at a stadium with a capacity of 35,000.
Despite police refusing permission for a victory parade, the KSCA and organisers proceeded. RCB’s announcement of free passes and a parade at 3:14 pm, with no clear entry system, caused massive confusion.
As word spread that entry was based on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis, panic ensued. Fans scaled gates and broke barricades. In the resulting crush, several people fell and were trampled.
CM Announces Compensation Amid Criticism
Facing criticism, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced compensation for the families of the deceased and free treatment for the injured.
Speaking at a press conference, he said, “Such incidents happened in so many places. I am not going to defend this by comparing it with them now, by saying it happened here and there. In Kumbh Mela, 50-60 people died, but I didn’t criticise it. If Congress criticises, then that is a different matter. Did I or the Karnataka government criticise?”
Political Backlash from Opposition
Veteran BJP leader Pralhad Joshi strongly criticised the government, stating that it could not evade responsibility by comparing the stampede with the Kumbh Mela.
“Kumbh and this is incomparable. When police denied permission, why did you force them? My second question to Siddaramaiah is, after the deaths, you continue your celebration? Why did Deputy Chief Minister (DK Shivakumar) go to receive them? They are busy with selfies, nobody is bothered about what has happened to the common man,” Joshi said.
He further stated that the Kumbh Mela tragedy was handled with sensitivity and called for a judicial inquiry. “No one was taking selfies. A judicial inquiry must be conducted. The government has to reply. This is highly condemnable,” he said.
Police Arrest Key Figures Involved
Two days after the incident, Bengaluru police arrested RCB’s Nikhil Sosale and DNA’s Sunil Mathew at Kempegowda International Airport.
Two more individuals were also taken into custody in connection with the case. Police confirmed that KSCA officials were absconding.
Judicial Commission to Submit Report in 30 Days
On June 5, CM Siddaramaiah announced the formation of a judicial commission under Justice Michael D’Cunha to investigate lapses in planning, coordination, and crowd control.
The commission has been asked to submit its findings within 30 days. The Karnataka High Court continues to monitor the case, having asked the state for a status report by June 10.
