 "RCB launched its first support for victims of the stampede outside Chinnaswamy stadium. Image: Reuters")
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday, August 30, finally took a step to support the families of victims who died in a stampede at M Chinnaswamy Stadium during the team’s IPL 2025 victory celebrations. RCB announced that it will give Rs 25 lakh each to the families of 11 people who died in the stampede on June 4.
RCB had won their maiden IPL on June 3 with a six-run victory over Punjab Kings at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. They announced a victory parade in their home city a day after the historic win. However, the celebrations quickly turned into tragedy when a stampede occurred outside the stadium.
RCB announce compensation for stampede victims
The franchise has now announced its support, offering Rs 25 lakh to each through the RCB Cares initiative.
The Karnataka government had blamed RCB and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) for safety lapses that caused the tragedy. The government also suspended senior state officials for not managing the event properly. A status report submitted to the Karnataka High Court by the government claimed that the organisers conducted the celebrations without proper permission.
The report said that just a few hours before the IPL 2025 final between RCB and Punjab Kings, KSCA only sent a letter to the Cubbon Park police. The letter said a victory parade might happen if RCB won, but it was not a proper permission. The police later said no permission could be given because of safety concerns.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsRCB went ahead and announced the “Victory Parade” on social media early on June 4 even without obtaining permissions. The posts went viral and big crowds started gathering everywhere, including the stadium, where the RCB team was supposed to meet and greet the fans. Free entry for fans in the stadium was also announced.
Interestingly, the same government led by Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar had felicitated the RCB team upon their arrival in Bengaluru a day after the IPL victory. Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar even went to Chinaswamy Stadium just moments after the incident to take part in further celebrations.