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A tragic turn marred Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s homecoming celebrations on Wednesday, as a massive stampede broke out in the city amidst jubilant scenes. According to news agency PTI, at least seven people lost their lives and many others sustained injuries as an overwhelming crowd assembled to welcome the newly-crowned IPL 2025 champions.
#WATCH | Karnataka police use mild force to manage the crowd outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru
A large number of #RoyalChallengersBengaluru fans have arrived here to catch a glimpse of their champion team. pic.twitter.com/rnBSTx8vEN
— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2025
The mishap in Bengaluru is absolutely heartrending. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those who are injured have a speedy recovery: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/ed60yp2FYt
— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2025
The disaster unfolded as fans packed the streets in large numbers to greet their beloved team, who had returned victorious after a thrilling win over Punjab Kings in Tuesday night’s IPL final. However, the atmosphere of celebration quickly descended into chaos.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah tweets, “It is with great shock that we heard the news that several people lost their lives and others were seriously injured in a stampede during the RCB team`s victory celebrations at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The pain of this tragedy has… pic.twitter.com/OtBXMUho7i
— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2025
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, addressing the media, said that he was unable to confirm the exact number of casualties at that moment. “The tragedy and death have brought deep pain and shock,” he stated. “My condolences to the deceased. My condolences to their family.”
Visited Bowring Hospital to meet those injured and the bereaved in today’s unfortunate incident near Chinnaswamy Stadium. Saddened to witness their pain and speak to the victims during these difficult moments.
I assured them of the best medical care and full support from the… pic.twitter.com/fwb3hNlltM
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) June 4, 2025
An AFP report read there were scenes of complete disorder, with endless crowds jostling for space and police attempting to control the mob using batons. Shivakumar later confirmed, `hundreds of thousands of people` had taken to the streets in celebration. “I have spoken to the police commissioner and everyone, I will also go to the hospital later — I do not want to disturb the doctors who are taking care of the patients,” he said. “The exact number cannot be told now. We appeal to the people to remain calm.”
#WATCH | Bengaluru | Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says, “I have spoken to the Police Commissioner and everyone. I will also go to the hospital later. I do not want to disturb the doctors who are taking care of the patients. The exact number cannot be told now. We appeal to… pic.twitter.com/yo5cLfHYfX
— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2025
Television footage captured harrowing moments of emergency responders rushing young children, who had seemingly collapsed, away from the crowd. One unconscious man was seen inside an ambulance, visibly struggling to breathe. Addressing the situation, Shivakumar added: “This is not a controllable crowd. The police were finding it very difficult. I apologise to the people of Karnataka and Bengaluru,” he said. “We wanted to take a procession, but the crowd was very uncontrollable… the crowd was so much.”
Despite the unfolding tragedy, the official celebration event at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium continued. The RCB team’s social media accounts shared upbeat videos of the players, including Virat Kohli, waving to ecstatic fans from the team bus. “This welcome is what pure love looks like,” read a post on X (formerly Twitter).
However, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal later clarified to NDTV that those coordinating the festivities within the stadium had not been informed of the stampede in real-time. “At the time of the celebrations inside the stadium officials there did not know what had happened… I would like to send my heartfelt condolences,” Dhumal said.
Shivakumar further mentioned that the planned event was `shortened` in light of the situation. Reflecting the somber mood, BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla told ANI, “This can happen in any state and the ruling party should not be blamed for it. It should not be politicised. If this happens in a BJP-ruled state, we should not blame them. The crowd was huge, I spoke to the franchise, they also did not think that such a huge crowd would come and this incident happened suddenly. Efforts are being made to provide maximum help to the families of the deceased.”
#WATCH | Delhi: On the stampede during RCB`s victory celebrations in Bengaluru, BCCI vice-president and Congress MP Rajeev Shukla says, “This can happen in any state and the ruling party should not be blamed for it. It should not be politicised. If this happens in a BJP-ruled… pic.twitter.com/FDPbJ56FM9
— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2025
#WATCH | Delhi: On Bengaluru stampede, BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla says, ” Govt did stop the roadshow in order to avoid stampede or any such situation. But, it was not anticipated that a stampede would happen outside the stadium. Everybody should work together on the damage… pic.twitter.com/Ud6LVc28kE
— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2025
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