RCB blamed, Virat Kohli named for Chinnaswamy Stampede as Karnataka government issues Report which took 11 Lives

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The Karnataka government has blamed Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the horrific stampede which happened immediately after they won the IPL 2025 title in June.

The stampede at the RCB IPL victory led to the tragic deaths of 11 people and injuries to over 50 people outside Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025.

The state report asserts that RCB "invited people to the parade 'unilaterally' and 'without consultation/permission' from city police" or authorities. DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt Ltd, managing the event, informed police only on June 3 but did not seek formal permission as required by law, which mandates requests at least seven days prior.

"This was in the nature of an intimation, not a requisition for permission as required under the law...no applications in the prescribed formats were submitted to the licensing authority by the applicant/organiser."

The report squarely blames RCB, DNA Entertainment, and the KSCA for failing to coordinate, for poor crowd management, and for not securing requisite permissions. Virat Kohli's video and the open call via social media were specifically cited as significant factors in the massive turnout.

Why has Karnataka government blamed RCB for Stampede Incident?

• No Proper Permission Request

  The Cubbon Park Police Station did not grant permission due to the absence of requisite details such as crowd estimates, event arrangements, and safety measures. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), involved in ground management, also failed to provide necessary information. As a result, formal permission was denied.

• Public Invite Without Consulting Cops

  On the morning of June 4, RCB posted repeatedly on social media, announcing free public entry for the parade from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Stadium — without any police consultation. Virat Kohli's video appeal further amplified engagement, gathering massive public attention and drawing even more people.

  “RCB, without consulting the police, posted a photo at 7:01 am...informing that there is free entry for people and inviting the public to participate in the Victory Parade.”

  “On 04.06.2025, at 8:55 am, the RCB shared a video clip of Mr. Virat Kohli...stating that the team intended to celebrate this victory with the people of Bengaluru.”

• Crowd Escalation and Confusion

  These calls reached a combined 4.4 million views, and crowds swelled well beyond the stadium's 35,000 capacity, surpassing 300,000 people by various transport estimates. The crowd was not only centered at the stadium but also along routes from HAL Airport to major locations — over 14 km.

• Late, Confusing Announcement on Passes

  Only at 3:14 pm on the day, as people had already gathered, did RCB clarify on social media that entry was restricted by limited free passes — directly contradicting earlier open-invite posts. This abrupt change led to confusion, frustration, and panic.

• Gate Mismanagement and Stampede

  Gates were not opened on time and crowd management failed, resulting in people breaking through Gates 1, 2, and 21. Stampede incidents were reported at several gates as desperate fans tried to enter. Police responded but struggled to contain the chaos. Some police officers themselves were injured.

  "This impromptu gathering of crowds on the roads necessitated the urgent deployment of large numbers of police personnel ... this situation arose due to a lack of proper planning by the organisers and the failure to provide the necessary information in advance to the concerned authorities."

• Casualties and Emergency Response

  Eleven people died — deaths occurred at multiple gates, with dozens more injured, some critically. Victims were rushed to Bowring & Lady Curzon Hospital and other facilities, while CPR was administered by bystanders.

Official Reasoning on Not Cancelling the Event

The government explained that they did not call off the celebrations mid-way fearing that sudden cancellation could have triggered widespread violence and rioting among the already volatile crowd of several lakhs, so a "measured approach" was adopted — curtailing event duration and intensifying monitoring.