Bengaluru Police Recommended Delay for RCB Victory Parade Amid Safety Concerns
Concerns Over Crowd Control Ignored by Authorities
A recent report indicates that the Bengaluru Police had advised postponing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory parade due to worries about managing the crowd. This recommendation was reportedly dismissed by the Karnataka state government and cricket event organizers.
As per the Deccan Herald, senior police officials suggested rescheduling the celebration to Sunday, June 8, instead of June 5, which was just a day after RCB celebrated their first IPL championship in Ahmedabad. This change was proposed to give authorities additional time to handle logistics and ensure the safety of attendees.
However, both the state government and RCB representatives rejected this proposal, arguing that many international players would be departing soon and might not be available later in the week. This urgency was cited as a key reason for holding the parade on Wednesday, despite the warnings.
The unfortunate result of this decision was a tragic stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulting in 11 fatalities and over 30 injuries. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) had distributed free entry passes, leading to an overwhelming turnout of nearly 200,000 fans in central Bengaluru, far surpassing safe limits.
Ignored Warnings Amidst Rising Crowd Numbers
The report from Deccan Herald further highlights that the Bengaluru police were alarmed by the short notice and the unrestricted distribution of passes, which rendered crowd management nearly impossible.
As the crowd surged outside the stadium, distressing scenes unfolded, with fans climbing walls and fences to catch a glimpse of the team. The stampede reportedly occurred due to overcrowding at several entry points, causing the situation to spiral out of control.
The choice to prioritize the presence of foreign players over public safety has faced significant criticism. Questions regarding accountability and inadequate planning have arisen, marking a tragic aftermath to RCB's historic IPL victory.