Tragic Stampede at RCB Celebration Sparks Outrage and Calls for Accountability
Former Cricketer Criticizes RCB Celebration After Fatal Stampede
Madan Lal, a former Indian cricketer and 1983 World Cup champion, has expressed his outrage regarding the organizers of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2025 victory celebration. This follows a tragic stampede that resulted in the deaths of at least 11 fans outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
In a strong reaction to the incident, Lal stated, "People will not forget this — or Virat Kohli. While people were dying outside, there was a celebration inside. It's truly shocking and disheartening. The families of the deceased should consider suing RCB and the state government for ₹100 crore for this tragic mishap… BCCI is also shirking responsibility."
His remarks come amid widespread public criticism regarding the crowd management during RCB's celebration event in Bengaluru. The stampede occurred as thousands of fans gathered outside the stadium on Wednesday, eager to see their team celebrate its first IPL title in 18 years.
Officials reported that the crowd quickly became unmanageable. Local police had to resort to a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd, which incited panic and chaos, ultimately leading to the deadly stampede. Several fans sustained injuries and were rushed to local hospitals, with some remaining in intensive care.
Deputy CM Defends Security Measures Amid Backlash
In response to the growing criticism surrounding the stampede, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar defended the security measures implemented for RCB's IPL victory parade. He stated, "We had arranged for 5,000 police personnel. We couldn’t use force on such a young, vibrant crowd," emphasizing that any aggressive action could have heightened tensions. He acknowledged that the crowd exceeded expectations and that authorities were striving to manage the situation peacefully.
Following the incident, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed to the media that 11 individuals had lost their lives and over 30 were injured in the stampede. He announced a compensation of INR 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and promised free medical treatment for the injured.
"It is a major tragedy. The government will take all necessary steps to support the affected families," he remarked.
In a joint statement, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) expressed their deep sorrow over the incident. They also declared a separate compensation of INR 5 lakh for each bereaved family, stating, "This gesture is not intended to replace the value of human life but to offer some support and solace in their time of grief."
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal also addressed the rising criticism, clarifying that the BCCI and IPL had no role in the Bengaluru event.