RCB victory parade: At least 2 feared dead after stampede-like situation near Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy stadium

On June 4, 2025, a tragic stampede occurred outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden IPL title win. The incident resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals, including a child, and left over 25 others injured .

The stampede unfolded as thousands of jubilant fans gathered near the stadium to partake in the team’s victory celebrations. The overwhelming crowd led to chaos and a stampede-like situation, causing multiple fatalities and injuries .

In response to the incident, emergency services swiftly arrived at the scene, and the injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The Karnataka State Government announced compensation for the victims and initiated an investigation into the circumstances leading to the tragedy .

The planned open-bus victory parade was canceled due to safety concerns, and a formal celebration was held at the stadium with limited attendance .

On June 4, 2025, a day that should have been etched in golden letters for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and their legion of passionate supporters turned tragic as celebrations spiraled into chaos. What was meant to be a jubilant and long-awaited victory parade for RCB’s historic maiden IPL title ended in heartbreak, with at least seven people feared dead—including a minor—and over two dozen others injured in a stampede-like situation near the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Crowds had gathered by the thousands to witness the triumphant return of their cricketing heroes. For many fans, this was more than just a sporting celebration—it was an emotional culmination of 18 long years of hope, heartbreaks, and unwavering support. But as excitement peaked and more fans thronged the streets in the hours leading up to the parade, the situation grew increasingly unmanageable.

Authorities had anticipated a large turnout but seemingly underestimated the sheer volume of people that would congregate outside the stadium and along the planned open-bus route. Reports indicate that crowd control measures were inadequate for the magnitude of the turnout. Police barricades were overwhelmed, and the entry points became choke zones. As fans surged forward, pushing to get closer to the team’s celebratory float, several people lost their footing. In the ensuing crush, panic took hold.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying. “We were waiting for the players for more than three hours. Suddenly, people started pushing from behind. I fell down and couldn’t get up. I saw a child being trampled. No one could help,” said Rajesh K., a fan who was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital. Another fan, Rukmini V., shared, “I was there with my 8-year-old son. We were separated in the crowd. I screamed for help, but it was chaos. Thankfully someone lifted my child out just in time.”

Ambulances arrived swiftly, and emergency personnel worked through the tightly packed streets to reach the injured. Hospitals across central Bengaluru were placed on high alert. The injured, ranging from children to elderly fans, were rushed to nearby facilities, including Bowring Hospital and Victoria Hospital. Some were reported to be in critical condition.

The death toll, initially reported as two, later climbed to at least seven, with fears that it could rise further depending on the condition of the critically injured. The Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “This is a day of mourning for all of Karnataka. While we were ready to celebrate our team’s great achievement, we now grieve for those we’ve lost,” he stated during a press briefing, promising swift action and a thorough investigation into lapses that led to the stampede.

He also announced compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for the injured. “There will be accountability,” he added, confirming that a high-level committee would be set up to assess whether the event planning followed adequate safety protocols.

The Bengaluru Police, meanwhile, faced sharp criticism from fans and civil society groups alike. Some alleged that the local authorities had denied earlier permission for a full-scale parade but were overruled due to public pressure. Others suggested that RCB’s management had not coordinated sufficiently with the police to ensure safety.

The planned victory parade, which was to feature the RCB team riding an open-top bus from Cubbon Park to the stadium, was immediately canceled. Instead, a closed-door felicitation ceremony was held later that evening at the stadium, attended only by the players, their families, select officials, and media. The mood inside the stadium was subdued. Players offered their condolences and stood in silence to honor the lives lost.

RCB captain Faf du Plessis, visibly shaken, said, “We play for our fans. This win was for them. We never imagined our celebration would end in tragedy. Our hearts go out to the families affected.”

Virat Kohli, the face of RCB for over a decade, also shared a heartfelt message via social media: “My deepest condolences to the families affected by today’s incident. No victory is greater than a human life. We’re devastated.”

Many fans took to social media to express grief and outrage. While some posted tributes to those who lost their lives, others demanded accountability and reforms in how large-scale public events are planned and managed in Indian cities. Hashtags like #RCBStampede, #JusticeForFans, and #ChinnaswamyTragedy trended across platforms within hours.

Urban planning and public safety experts weighed in, stating that India’s major cities frequently underestimate the logistics needed for such events. “We’ve seen this happen during religious festivals, political rallies, and now even sports events. Crowd modeling and safety assessments are often not given due priority,” said Dr. A.N. Ramakrishnan, a disaster management consultant.

The incident also reignited debate about the role of sports franchises in public safety. Should IPL teams be allowed to host such massive events without strict regulatory oversight? Should there be national guidelines for sports celebrations in public spaces? While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remained largely silent, sources suggest that the board is likely to review its policies around public parades after this tragedy.

In the aftermath, flower tributes were seen piling up outside Chinnaswamy Stadium. Fans, many in RCB jerseys, lit candles and placed posters mourning the deceased. “They came to celebrate the win. They went home in ambulances,” read one placard.

What was supposed to be a day of red and gold pride—the colors of RCB—became a day stained with grief and unanswered questions. Even as the city attempts to heal, it is evident that this incident will leave a lasting mark on both the sporting and civic consciousness of Bengaluru.

RCB’s victory in IPL 2025 will always be remembered, but tragically, so will the lives lost in its celebration.

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