The city of Bengaluru was draped in red and gold as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans celebrated their team's historic IPL victory on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. However, the joyous occasion was marred by a tragic stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulting in the loss of 11 lives and injuries to dozens more. The incident has cast a pall over the celebrations, with many expressing grief and shock, including Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, wife of RCB star Virat Kohli.
News of the tragedy spread quickly, prompting immediate reactions from prominent figures. Anushka Sharma, who had earlier shared celebratory clips from the victory parade, expressed her heartbreak by sharing RCB's official statement on her Instagram story, accompanied by broken heart emojis. Virat Kohli also conveyed his grief, stating he was "absolutely gutted" and at a "loss for words" regarding the incident.
The official statement from RCB expressed deep anguish over the unfortunate incident. "We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team's arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us," the statement read. The franchise also extended heartfelt condolences to the affected families and stated that they promptly amended their program, following the guidance of local administration upon being made aware of the situation. They also urged all supporters to stay safe.
The stampede occurred as thousands of fans gathered near the stadium to welcome the victorious RCB team. Reports indicate that the incident took place near Gate 2 of the stadium shortly after the RCB players visited Vidhana Soudha to meet with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The massive turnout, combined with alleged mismanagement of the crowd, led to a chaotic surge as fans attempted to enter the stadium.
Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of the scene, with reports of people being trampled and many losing consciousness. Emergency services struggled to navigate the chaos, and the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals. The situation prompted immediate responses from authorities, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announcing compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased. RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) also announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh each to the families who lost loved ones in the tragedy.
The incident has triggered widespread grief and condemnation, with many questioning the arrangements and safety measures in place for such a large gathering. Political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, expressed their condolences and called for a thorough investigation into the incident. Rahul Gandhi emphasized the need for the Karnataka government to provide all possible support and relief to the affected families.
The tragic stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium serves as a stark reminder of the importance of crowd management and safety protocols at public events. As Bengaluru mourns the loss of lives, the incident has prompted introspection and calls for accountability to ensure that such tragedies are prevented in the future. The outpouring of grief from figures like Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli underscores the deep impact of the incident on the RCB family and the wider community.
