RCB Criticised For “Inhuman” Celebrations As Stampedes Cause 11 Deaths

Bengaluru, June 4 — What was meant to be a moment of historic jubilation turned into a nightmare as the RCB stampede tragedy claimed the lives of at least 11 fans and left more than 50 injured during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 victory celebrations at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

As thousands gathered to mark RCB’s first-ever IPL title win, chaos erupted outside the stadium, leading to a deadly stampede. The incident occurred despite earlier warnings and the government’s decision to cancel the team’s victory parade due to crowd control concerns.

Fans Question Celebration Amidst the RCB Stampede Tragedy

Eyewitnesses and social media users were quick to condemn the decision to continue celebrations inside the stadium, even as chaos and death unfolded just outside the gates. Outrage flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where users described the moment as “inhuman,” “gut-wrenching,” and “disgraceful.”

“Unbelievable! Victory celebration broadcast of RCB parade continues. No mention of stampede. NOT DONE,” one user posted.

“1 parade, 0 brains, & now 7 funerals,” read another scathing comment.

The RCB stampede tragedy has sparked a wave of anger directed at both event organizers and local authorities, with citizens demanding accountability for what many see as a catastrophic failure in crowd management and human empathy.

What Caused the RCB Stampede Tragedy?

According to reports, the stampede took place when a massive crowd surged toward multiple entry points of the stadium. Fans, eager to catch a glimpse of their cricketing heroes, pushed against barriers and overwhelmed security personnel. The resulting panic and stampede led to people being trampled and crushed.

Emergency services were called in, but ambulances reportedly struggled to navigate the congested roads due to the overwhelming crowds. Authorities confirmed that six of the victims are currently in intensive care units at Vaidehi Hospital, while the bodies of six deceased fans have been sent to Bowring and Vaidehi hospitals.

Sources later confirmed five more deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities to 11.

Security Failures and Administrative Negligence

This RCB stampede tragedy has raised serious questions about how such a large-scale public event was organized with seemingly inadequate planning. Despite the government cancelling the Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Stadium parade earlier citing security concerns, the indoor celebrations at the stadium went ahead.

No clear crowd control strategy appears to have been in place. Social media users slammed authorities for the absence of barricades and emergency protocols. Critics argue that this wasn’t merely an unfortunate accident, but a preventable disaster born from negligence.

RCB, BCCI, and Karnataka Government Under Fire

As images of the injured and dead circulated online, the silence from RCB management and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) further fueled the public’s anger. Many fans called for a public apology and an investigation into the role of both the team and the Karnataka state government in organizing the event.

Some questioned why the team continued to celebrate while ambulances were blocked, and fans outside were screaming for help. “These young Kannadigas died for nothing,” a viral post stated, summing up the heartbreak felt across the state.

What’s Next? A Call for Accountability

The Karnataka state government has announced that it will launch an inquiry into the RCB stampede tragedy, with a promise to hold those responsible accountable. Human rights activists and civil society organizations have also joined in calling for swift action and transparent investigation.

While fans across the nation had waited 17 seasons to see RCB lift the IPL trophy, this moment of long-awaited glory has now been permanently tainted. For the families of the victims, no trophy can bring back the lives lost.

A Celebration Turned Calamity

The RCB stampede tragedy is a grim reminder of how mismanagement can turn joy into grief. As the city of Bengaluru mourns, the IPL community must reckon with the weight of this loss. Moving forward, organizers and local administrations must ensure that fan safety is never compromised again, no matter how big the occasion.