What should have been a joyous celebration of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s first IPL title turned tragic on June 4, when a stampede outside Kanteerava Stadium killed 11 and injured dozens. As public grief turns into anger, both the Congress-led Karnataka government and the event organisers face mounting criticism over lapses that could have prevented the tragedy in Bengaluru.
Hasty Planning and Poor Coordination
Evidence suggests the event was approved and executed hastily, with a leaked letter dated just a day earlier pointing to last-minute planning. Thousands were granted free entry passes online with no crowd cap. Only one entry gate was operational, and security arrangements were grossly inadequate for the turnout.
Emergency services were delayed, and there were no clear evacuation or crowd control measures, despite the state police having experience managing large gatherings.
Congress Government Faces Intense Scrutiny
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar are facing sharp criticism for greenlighting the event without enforcing safety protocols. Critics argue the administration prioritized public spectacle over public safety.
Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru development portfolio, has been accused of overlooking critical warnings about crowd buildup. Despite his presence in the city, he did not intervene even after reports of the stampede emerged.
Siddaramaiah’s public response, while expressing sorrow, is seen as inadequate given the scale of the tragedy. No high-level official has stepped down, nor have any organisers been held accountable.
Players Continued as Victims Struggled Outside
Adding to the public outrage, RCB players and team officials reportedly continued the celebrations inside the stadium for nearly an hour after news of the stampede began to circulate. Videos on social media show celebratory scenes even as ambulances struggled to reach victims outside.
This perceived insensitivity has sparked criticism from fans and civic leaders alike, with calls for the team to acknowledge and take responsibility for what unfolded beyond the spotlight.
Selective Justice? A Stark Contrast
The lack of immediate action against the RCB organisers stands in stark contrast to the swift FIRs filed in Andhra Pradesh last year against the team behind a promotional event involving actor Allu Arjun, where a similar stampede occurred.
Legal experts and opposition leaders are questioning why no charges have been filed in Bengaluru despite multiple fatalities. Allegations of political bias and selective enforcement have gained traction in the public discourse.
Public Demands Accountability
Civic groups and opposition parties are calling for a judicial probe, suspension of involved officials, and formal charges against the event managers. For many, the tragedy symbolizes a deeper failure in governance, where political showmanship triumphed over citizen safety.
Without swift and transparent action, trust in both the state’s political leadership and law enforcement is at risk of further erosion.
