In a significant development following the tragic stampede outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Karnataka Police has filed an FIR against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Administrative Committee, and DNA, the event management company responsible for the celebration.
The incident, which occurred during RCB’s IPL victory celebration, claimed the lives of 11 individuals and left over 30 injured in the ensuing chaos caused by an overwhelming crowd of nearly three lakh people.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Bengaluru), Shekar H Tekkannanavar, confirmed that the FIR was registered at Cubbon Park Police Station, naming multiple parties for criminal negligence. The FIR cites serious charges under Sections 105, 125 (1)(2), 132, 121/1, and 190 R/w 3 (5) of relevant laws.
Earlier in the day, the Karnataka High Court issued a notice to the state government, taking suo motu cognisance of the incident based on widespread media coverage and public outcry.
“News items have been published in various newspapers, narrating the tragedy that happened when 11 persons died and 75 were injured during the course of the victory celebration of RCB. This court is taking cognisance of the incident,” the bench stated.
Senior Advocate Arun Shyam highlighted that two events were held on the same day—one at Vidhana Soudha and the other at the stadium, and raised concerns over the deployment of emergency services, including ambulances.
The High Court has requested detailed reports on the incident and scheduled the matter for further hearing on June 10. The court emphasized the need to understand the cause of the tragedy and explore measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The FIR and court intervention come amid growing demands for accountability and justice, with political opposition leaders like R Ashoka already calling for a judicial probe and the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, citing lapses in crowd control and public safety measures.