In a politically charged twist, the Karnataka government has laid the blame squarely on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), entertainment partner DNA Networks, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) for the horrific stampede that unfolded outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, which claimed 11 lives and injured scores more. The government’s report to the High Court goes as far as to cite cricketer Virat Kohli’s video appeal to fans as a trigger for the massive crowd, despite police denial of permission for the event. But what the report conveniently avoids is the political leadership’s own role—both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar were part of the celebrations in front of Vidhana Soudha and later in the stadium itself. As public outrage grows, critics say the Congress-led government is trying to deflect its own administrative failures by targeting cricket icons and private organisers while absolving itself of accountability.
Government Points Finger at RCB, Cites Kohli’s Video
The government’s report placed significant responsibility on RCB and DNA Entertainment Networks for going ahead “unilaterally” with the parade. According to the document, the police had explicitly denied permission for the event, citing crowd control issues. However, organisers not only failed to comply but also allegedly misled the public by announcing a free-entry celebration.
The report controversially mentions Virat Kohli’s video appeal as a factor that fuelled the turnout. Kohli, one of the most popular cricketers in the country, had urged fans to come celebrate the team’s performance—a move now cited as a contributor to the overwhelming crowd. But the inclusion of Kohli’s name in the official submission has drawn criticism from several quarters, who argue that the government is scapegoating a national icon to shift focus from its own governance lapses.
Despite pointing fingers at organisers, the government has not clarified why top political leaders, including the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, were actively present at both the Vidhana Soudha celebration and at Chinnaswamy, effectively endorsing an event they now claim was unauthorised.
Stampede That Shook Bengaluru
The tragedy that unfolded on June 4 was the result of extreme mismanagement, poor coordination, and conflicting instructions. As per the government’s submission to the Karnataka High Court, over 3 lakh fans gathered near Chinnaswamy Stadium for RCB’s celebratory victory parade—a crowd far beyond what the organisers or law enforcement could control.
The most devastating aspect was the stampede outside the stadium gates, which occurred when the crowd surged in after unclear communication regarding access. Eleven individuals, including several women and students, lost their lives in the chaos, and dozens were injured. Eyewitnesses reported that barricades collapsed, gates remained shut past the scheduled time, and confusion over entry protocols further triggered panic.
While the crowd was swelling, no adequate emergency protocols were activated. The Karnataka Police had earlier refused permission for the event due to security concerns, but RCB and DNA allegedly proceeded with social media invites, leading to the uncontrolled influx. The last-minute announcement that only pass-holders would be allowed, contrary to earlier “open entry” messaging, sparked immediate confusion and fear, culminating in the stampede.
Suspensions and Public Backlash
In the aftermath, a few junior police officers were suspended for what has been termed a failure to control the situation. But this action has come under fire for being both delayed and symbolic. Critics argue that suspending lower-level officials does little to address the broader administrative lapses and miscommunication that led to the disaster.
Public anger is now directed not only at RCB and the event managers but also at the Congress government, which many feel is attempting to whitewash its involvement. While the report details the lack of coordination between RCB, DNA, and KSCA, it barely mentions the role of the state’s top brass who stood at the heart of the celebrations.
The BJP has seized on the opportunity, asking why an event labelled “unauthorised” had the active participation of the Chief Minister. They’ve demanded accountability not just from event organisers but also from those in the government who failed to act when it mattered most.
Congress Can’t Escape the Blame
The Karnataka government’s attempt to pin the blame solely on RCB and cite Kohli’s fan video as a major cause of the stampede appears to be a carefully orchestrated deflection. By doing so, they hope to escape scrutiny for their own role in endorsing and participating in the very event they now disown. The tragedy at Chinnaswamy has exposed deep flaws in governance, coordination, and emergency planning under the Congress-led state government.
As the High Court evaluates the findings and public pressure mounts, the focus must remain on transparent accountability—from both organisers and elected officials. Blaming sportspersons and private stakeholders cannot be the final word in a tragedy that was preventable had the state acted with foresight and responsibility.