A celebratory victory parade for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 triumph near Chinnaswamy Stadium descended into chaos, resulting in a deadly stampede.
Bengaluru: On June 4, 2025, a massive stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL 2025 victory parade near Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed at least 11 lives and left over 50 people injured. Thousands of fans had gathered to celebrate RCB’s maiden IPL title, particularly to see star player Virat Kohli, when the situation spiraled out of control at Gates 3, 10, and 21.
Death Toll Confirmation
DeepSearch analysis of multiple sources, including news reports and posts on X, confirms the death toll at 11, with some earlier reports citing figures as low as 2 or as high as 50. The confusion likely stems from initial unverified claims and varying hospital reports. For instance, Bowring Hospital in Shivajinagar reported six deaths, while Vydehi Hospital on Mallya Road confirmed four, with one additional death reported later. Over 50 injuries have been consistently reported, with 27 people admitted to hospitals, some in critical condition. Authorities warn the toll may rise due to the severity of injuries.
What Triggered the Chaos?
The stampede occurred around 5:30 PM IST as fans surged toward the stadium gates, overwhelming security. A temporary slab over a drain near the stadium collapsed under the crowd’s weight, sparking panic. Eyewitness Mahesh recounted, “Many tried to push through the gates to see Virat Kohli. I saw people fall, and no one could help them.” Heavy rain and traffic congestion hindered ambulance access, exacerbating the crisis. The planned open-bus parade was canceled due to crowd size and weather, but fans still thronged the area, leading to chaos.
Official Response and Investigation
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited Bowring Hospital and announced ₹5 lakh compensation for victims’ families, promising free treatment for the injured. A judicial probe has been ordered, with the BJP demanding accountability, calling the incident a result of “criminal negligence.” Deputy CM DK Shivakumar apologized, noting 5,000 personnel were deployed but the crowd was “uncontrollable.” The Bengaluru Police are investigating, with initial findings pointing to poor crowd management and underestimation of attendance, expected at 20,000 but nearing 40,000.
Crowd Management Under Scrutiny
A 2024 IIM Bangalore study warned of inadequate crowd control at large Indian events, a concern echoed here. Experts suggest real-time crowd-monitoring tech, like AI-based density analysis, could have mitigated risks. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia called the incident “the negative side of popularity,” urging better planning. The tragedy mirrors past incidents, like the 2017 Mumbai Elphinstone stampede (23 deaths) and the January 2025 Maha Kumbh stampede (30 deaths), highlighting systemic issues.
RCB’s Reaction and Community Impact
RCB expressed grief, with Virat Kohli posting on X: “Devastated by the loss of lives during our victory parade. My thoughts are with the families affected.” The team pledged ₹10 lakh per victim’s family and paused celebrations. The incident has dampened Bengaluru’s joy, with fans mourning online. “This was supposed to be our moment, but it’s turned to sorrow,” posted user @IshaniKrishnaa.