Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, June 5: An FIR has been filed against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and event organisers DNA Entertainment Networks in connection with the stampede near M Chinnaswamy Stadium that killed 11 and injured 56 during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations on June 4.
The case, registered at Cubbon Park Police Station, includes serious charges such as culpable homicide not amounting to murder and unlawful assembly. RCB is named as Accused No. 1, DNA Entertainment as Accused No. 2, and KSCA as Accused No. 3.
In response to the tragedy, the Karnataka government has announced Rs 10 lac compensation per deceased family, with KSCA and RCB adding Rs 5 lac and Rs 10 lac respectively, totaling Rs 25 lac each. RCB has also committed to covering medical expenses for the injured and created a special fund, ‘RCB Cares,’ to support victims.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognisance and registered a Public Interest Litigation, seeking accountability and preventive measures.
The court has issued notices to the state government and awaits detailed status reports. The government has ordered a magisterial probe led by Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner G Jagadeesha, who will record statements from all parties and hold public hearings from June 11 to 13.
The stampede occurred when Gate No. 12 was suddenly opened amid an overwhelming crowd estimated at 2.5 lac—far exceeding the stadium’s 45,000 capacity. Police resorted to a lathi charge to control surging fans near gates 18 to 20. Eleven deaths were confirmed across nearby hospitals—Bowring, Vaidehi, and Manipal.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar accepted full responsibility, lamenting the unexpected scale of celebrations after RCB’s first IPL title in 18 years and expressing grief for the victims.