BENGALURU: What began as a moment of jubilation for Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans turned into a harrowing tragedy on Wednesday, as 11 people lost their lives in a stampede outside the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Among the deceased were a woman and a student in class 9. The crowd had gathered in large numbers for the victory parade following RCB’s historic win in the IPL 2025.
More than 47 individuals were injured, many critically, with fears that the death toll could rise. The stampede is believed to have occurred when thousands of fans surged toward a single entry gate near Cubbon Park. The RCB victory turns tragic once again, as chaotic scenes unfolded at the stadium, fans scaled walls, police resorted to lathi charges, and hospitals were overwhelmed.
Three victims were declared dead upon arrival at Bowring Hospital, while four others succumbed at Vydehi Multispecialty Hospital. Other victims were rushed in ambulances, police vans, and even private vehicles, as traffic gridlocks choked the stadium’s surroundings. Grieving families gathered outside hospitals in tears, while some survivors recalled being trampled in the melee.
RCB Victory Turns Tragic – Celebration Turns into Chaos at Chinnaswamy Stadium
The police struggled to control the overwhelming crowd. As the RCB victory turned tragic, several fans were seen administering CPR to the injured, while others attempted to scale compound walls in desperation. One man broke his leg after falling from the wall. The state government immediately launched emergency relief measures, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visiting victims at Bowring Hospital.
At Vidhana Soudha, where RCB players were being felicitated, more fans fainted due to overcrowding. The program was cut short by a sudden downpour, adding to the disarray. Authorities confirmed that the RCB victory turned tragic for many families, with dozens of injured fans rushed to nearby hospitals, including Vydehi and Victoria.
In an unrelated but equally disturbing incident, a youth was attacked by unidentified miscreants on Tuesday night during celebrations in Peenya. The victim’s throat was slashed by sharp objects. He survived the attack and is now stable. The RCB victory turns tragic for more than just those at the stadium, as violence erupted in different corners of the city.
Meanwhile, late-night celebrations saw fans climbing atop buses and blocking roads. Police had to use mild force in areas like Banashankari and the Bengaluru-Tumakuru highway. Yet again, the RCB victory turns tragic as unplanned festivities spin out of control, resulting in injuries, traffic jams, and public property damage.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah blamed the stampede on the unexpectedly massive turnout. Over two to three lakh people gathered. No one expected such a crowd. The stadium can only hold 35,000,” he said. He added that the RCB victory turned tragic because a small gate couldn’t withstand the force of the crowd, leading to the stampede.
Opposition leaders slammed the government for poor planning. BJP called the event “criminal negligence,” accusing CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar of chasing publicity. “While innocent people died, the ministers were busy shooting reels,” the BJP posted on X. “The RCB victory turns tragic due to the Congress government’s failure.”
Former minister CT Ravi called it a “state-sponsored murder,” while Leader of Opposition Narayanaswamy said the tragedy could have been prevented. “Many lives lost, including a child. The government failed in crowd control,” he said. With mounting pressure, the government promised an investigation and compensation for victims.
RCB’s players had arrived in Bengaluru earlier on Wednesday to a roaring welcome. Led by Rajat Patidar, the team was received by Deputy CM Shivakumar at the airport before proceeding to Vidhana Soudha. As fans lined the streets, the RCB victory turned tragic due to a lack of crowd management and foresight.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and said the incident was “absolutely heartrending.” He prayed for the families of the victims and a speedy recovery for the injured. The RCB victory turns tragic, drawing national mourning and calls for accountability.
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot also expressed sorrow over the incident. “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives,” he stated on X. He called for a detailed probe and assured support for the families affected. Once again, the RCB victory turns tragic, marking a dark day in what should have been a proud celebration.
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