Bengaluru Stampede: Days after a tragic stampede claimed 11 lives outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, police on Friday took key officials from IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and event management firm DNA Entertainment Pvt Ltd into custody.
The incident, which left more than 50 people injured, took place during a massive fan gathering organised to celebrate RCB’s IPL victory on June 4.
According to PTI, citing police sources, Nikhil Sosale, Head of Marketing and Revenue at RCB, along with Sunil Mathew and Kiran Kumar from DNA Entertainment, are among those being questioned in connection with the incident.
FIR filed, HC takes suo motu notice
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Bengaluru) Shekar H Tekkannanavar confirmed that the FIR invokes Sections 105, 125 (1)(2), 132, 121/1, 190 R/w 3 (5) for alleged criminal negligence. Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the tragedy and has asked the state government to submit a detailed status report.
Among the injured is Venu, who suffered a fracture and is undergoing treatment in hospital. “We went to watch the event near gate no. 6 around 3:30 pm yesterday. The barricade fell and caused injury to me. I received a fracture. I’m better now, but I can’t walk. Three of us went there, it was too crowded yesterday,” he told ANI.
His father added: “Yesterday we got a message around 5:30 pm. I was at work as a welder. He’s my second son. My wife called me and informed me. Then I came here.” Authorities estimate that nearly 3 lakh fans had converged near the stadium, far exceeding the expected turnout. The stampede occurred as people rushed toward the gates to get a glimpse of the RCB team, who were celebrating their historic IPL title win.
CM Siddaramaiah said the state cabinet took the matter seriously in its meeting and stressed that preventive steps would be taken to avoid such tragedies in the future. “On RCB, the event manager DNA Entertainment, and KSCA, who represented them, we have decided to arrest them,” he had said.
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Police officials suspended; government assures accountability
In another sweeping disciplinary move, the Karnataka government suspended several senior police officials for failing to control the crowd and prevent the tragedy.
“Cubbon Park Police Station Police Inspector, Station House Master, Station House Officer, ACP, Central Division DCP, Cricket Stadium in-charge, Additional Commissioner of Police, Commisioner of Police have been suspended with immediate effect,” the Chief Minister said.
Referring to the deep sorrow caused by the incident, he said: “When I was speaking about the tragedy yesterday, 11 died and 47 were injured — all were in pain, and we still are. It was important to express our condolences and console the families.”
(With inputs from agencies)
Anurag Dhole is a seasoned journalist and content writer with a passion for delivering timely, accurate, and engaging stories. With over 8 years of experience in digital media, she covers a wide range of topics—from breaking news and politics to business insights and cultural trends. Jane's writing style blends clarity with depth, aiming to inform and inspire readers in a fast-paced media landscape. When she’s not chasing stories, she’s likely reading investigative features or exploring local cafés for her next writing spot.
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
