Karnataka High Court to Address Bengaluru Stampede Incident
Court Hearing Scheduled for Stampede Case
Bengaluru: This afternoon, the Karnataka High Court will convene to discuss the stampede incident that tragically resulted in 11 fatalities and left 47 individuals injured during the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) victory celebration at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Judicial Intervention
The High Court is set to hear the case at 2:30 PM today. Legal representatives have indicated that a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been submitted by petitioner Sri Lohith G Hanumapura, aiming to hold accountable those responsible for the events leading to the stampede.
Details of the Stampede at Gate 7
The tragic stampede took place at Gate No. 7 of the stadium, where a large crowd had gathered due to rumors of free ticket distribution. The situation escalated with unexpected rainfall and insufficient crowd management, transforming a festive occasion into a chaotic scene. Medical professionals from Vaidehi Hospital reported that most victims suffered from suffocation and overcrowding, with four individuals pronounced dead at the facility.
KSCA Letter Challenges Government's Narrative
A letter from the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), dated June 3, 2025, has emerged, adding complexity to the investigation. This correspondence, directed to the state government, explicitly requests authorization to hold a felicitation event for the RCB team at Vidhana Soudha. This contradicts the state government's assertion that the event was organized at the last minute, which they cited as a reason for the lack of adequate preparations.
Government Response and Compensation
In response to the public's grief and outrage, the state government has pledged ₹10 lakh in compensation to the families of each deceased victim. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his condolences during a press conference, stating, "This tragedy should not have occurred. We are deeply saddened and have initiated a magisterial inquiry with a 15-day deadline." He also confirmed that the government would cover all medical expenses for those injured.