Bengaluru stampede: This is what the Karnataka government told Karnataka HC

Eleven people have died, and at least 33 were injured in the stampede that happened before RCB’s victory celebrations.

During a suo motu hearing on the Bengaluru stampede in which 11 people lost lives, the Karnataka government on Thursday told the Karnataka High Court that 2.5 lakh people had unexpectedly congregated outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate the historic maiden victory of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025 finals.

The Karnataka government made the following statement to the Karnataka High Court.

The government of Karnataka informed the court that it had deployed over 1,400 personnel, including senior officials, to maintain law and order both outside and inside the stadium. Shashi Kiran Shetty, Advocate General, appearing for the state, told the court that 2.5 lakh people had gathered because it was reported that entry was free, as per Live Law. He said that an enormous number of people turned up because people from outside the state also came. He further stated that the government has ordered a magisterial probe, whose report will be furnished within 15 days. He also said the government is not “sparing anyone” responsible for the tragedy.

“We have started an inquiry.”

On the court’s query on the number of gates, the advocate general submitted, “Total 21, and instructions were that they were open and people were allowed inside and seated. 2 lakh people were around this place. We have started an inquiry, and notices have been given to everyone; we are not sparing anyone.” He added that the government will video-record the probe and place it before the court. The bench observed, “Are there any vehicles which can be made available if such an incident happens, to which hospitals will the injured be taken? All this is to be included in SOP.”

Eleven people died, and at least 33 were injured in the stampede that occurred before RCB’s victory celebrations. CM Siddaramaiah blamed overcrowding for the tragedy.