05 June, 2025:
Torn fan jerseys, scattered shoes, and abandoned merchandise painted a grim picture of the tragic stampede at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, where fans had gathered to celebrate their favourite team’s victory after an 18-year wait.
All the victims of the stampede at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium were below the age of 40, with the youngest being only 13. Among the deceased were three teenagers and six people in their twenties.
Most of the victims had come with friends to cheer for Royal Challengers Bangalore, who won the IPL trophy after an 18-year wait. While many were locals from Bengaluru, some had travelled from other districts as well. What began as a joyful celebration turned tragic when the overwhelming crowd outpaced security measures, resulting in a stampede that claimed 11 lives and injured 47 others.
The State Government has faced several criticisms about this incident. In response to concerns avout inadequate preparations, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed a press conference in which he announced compensation for the families of those killed and free treatment for those injured.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said, "I don't want to defend this incident. Our government will not do politics on this. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry and given 15 days' time. People even broke the gates of the stadium. There was a stampede. No one expected such a huge crowd. The stadium has a capacity of only 35,000 people, but 2-3 lakh people came."
Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar broke down in tears on Thursday as he addressed the media for the first time since the tragic stampede in Bengaluru. “We must learn an administrative lesson, let the opposition do politics on dead bodies. I will list how many dead bodies they have done politics on. But it hurts to see the little children. I have seen their pain,” Shivakumar said.
The Karnataka Government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased. "A major tragedy occurred during the victory celebrations. It happened near the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased. The government will provide free treatment to the injured," said Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah.
