RCB's victory celebrations in Bengaluru turn fatal as multiple deaths reported

Overcrowding and a stampede-like situation resulted in multiple deaths of people that had thronged around the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday (June 4). A large number of people had turned out to see the Royal Challengers Bengaluru who were being felicitated by the Chief Minister of Karnataka, following which they went to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for a ceremony in front of fans.

Until one hour before the felicitation ceremony, there had been no clarity regarding the arrangements made for the celebrations. While RCB had put out there would be a parade on social media, the Bengaluru Traffic Police had contradicted that with a statement saying No Parade would be there. It is understood that the event organisers had been working with the local police to try and arrange facilities until about an hour before the programme started. But given the short notice and turnaround time, the situation soon turned out to be beyond control.

News Agency ANI posted videos of people scaling the walls of the stadium even as there were pleas from the police for cooperation. Other videos also showed police resorting to mild lathi charge in an attempt to control the overflowing crowd.

The Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, DK Shivakumar, told mediapersons that he was apologizing to the people of Karnataka for the overcrowding. He confirmed that six people were dead in Bowring Hospital while a doctor from Vydehi Hospital, told mediapersons that four persons were brought dead to their hospital. A total of eleven deaths were eventually confirmed.

Chaos also descended near Vidhana Soudha. Thousands flocked the roads opposite as early as 3:45 PM and got on top of walls and landings nearby in anticipation of the team's arrival there around 5 PM to meet the CM.

The open-top bus parade was meant to get started from there and head towards the venue but a sudden spell of rain scuppered those plans. While people desperately looked for cover from the showers, RCB left for the stadium in their closed buses where the celebrations continued thereafter.

BCCI Secretary blames lapses in arrangement

"Unfortunate," Devajit Saikia, BCCI Secretary, told agencies. "This is a negative side of popularity. People are crazy for their cricketers. The organisers should have planned it better. My deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. I wish for the early recovery of the injured."

"When one organises a victory celebration of this magnitude, proper precautions, safety and security measures need to be taken. There have been some lapses somewhere. After such a glorious ending to the IPL, this has been an anticlimax. There have been IPL celebrations in the past as well, like in Kolkata last year when KKR won but nothing happened there," the BCCI secretary was quoted as saying by PTI.

"Same was the case when we won the T20 World Cup. There was a sea of humanity in Mumbai but nothing happened. Police and local authorities worked in tandem to ensure smooth conduct. I hope nothing more untoward happens. Even yesterday in Ahmedabad, during the IPL final, there were 120,000 people at the stadium but the BCCI has a dedicated team which has done elaborate planning in coordination with local district administration and law enforcing authorities to ensure that safety and security of the spectators," Saikia added.

RCB's statement on the 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.

RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families.

Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program, and followed, the guidance and advice of the local administration.

We urge all our supporters to please stay safe.