RCB Held Responsible for Chinnaswamy Stampede in Government Report to High Court

In a strongly worded report submitted to the Karnataka High Court, the state government has held Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) primarily accountable for the tragic stampede outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, which claimed 11 lives and left several others injured.

According to the official report, RCB, along with DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt Ltd and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), organised a victory parade and public celebration “unilaterally” and “without consultation or permission” from the city police. The event, which saw an unexpected turnout of over three lakh people, was not sanctioned, and its execution bypassed key protocols mandated by city regulations.

The report highlights a series of lapses, most notably a public video appeal by cricketer Virat Kohli urging fans to join the celebration. Despite the police having explicitly denied permission for the event, RCB proceeded to issue an open invitation on June 4 via social media platforms. The viral appeal, the report suggests, played a significant role in attracting an uncontrollable crowd to the stadium.

DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt Ltd had reportedly informed police on June 3 about a proposed victory parade but did not obtain the formal permissions required under the 2009 city order. The police, according to the government’s submission, had categorically refused to permit the gathering. However, the organisers moved forward with the event regardless.

Adding to the chaos was a last-minute change in entry protocol. While the event was initially promoted as open to the public, organisers announced at 3:14 p.m. on June 4—just hours before commencement—that entry would now be limited to pass holders only. This abrupt reversal reportedly sparked confusion and panic among the already massive crowd waiting outside the gates.

The report also accuses RCB, DNA, and KSCA of failing to coordinate effectively, which compounded the disorder. Inadequate crowd management, poor planning at entry points, and delays in opening the gates were cited as direct contributors to the stampede-like situation.

Furthermore, the organisers were criticised for not arranging any on-site medical facilities. While police authorities had deployed two ambulances, two medical teams, and a fire engine near the venue, the report notes that the responsibility for such provisions primarily rested with the organisers.

The Karnataka High Court is expected to deliberate on the findings in the coming days, as questions mount over accountability and public safety failures in one of the city’s most devastating crowd incidents in recent years.