What Happened During the Stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium?

Bengaluru, June 5 (NationPress) Karnataka's Home Minister G. Parameshwara conducted an inspection on Thursday at the sites of the tragic stampedes that occurred during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) celebration event at Chinnaswamy Stadium. This unfortunate incident resulted in 11 fatalities and numerous injuries.

The Home Minister received updates from Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda, Additional Police Commissioner Ramesh Banoth, and various DCPs. Subsequently, he engaged in comprehensive discussions with officials from the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), RCB, and the Bengaluru City Police.

During his press briefing near the stadium, he announced that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has mandated a magisterial inquiry, which is currently underway. He emphasized the importance of evaluating the locations of the stampedes to determine how such incidents might have been prevented.

The stampedes were reported at gates 6, 7, 2, 2A, 17, 18, 21, and 16. Parameshwara noted that due to the circumstances surrounding the incident, it remains unclear how many fatalities occurred at each specific gate.

Estimates indicated that around 100,000 individuals were expected to gather in front of Vidhana Soudha, with approximately 40,000 inside the stadium and 250,000 outside. Metro authorities reported that 870,000 people had traveled during this period.

Parameshwara expressed deep sorrow over the situation, noting the unprecedented number of people gathered at one location and deeming the incident tragic.

In earlier remarks concerning the stampede, which occurred during the RCB's victory celebrations after an 18-year wait for an IPL trophy, he clarified that it was not the government that orchestrated the victory celebration in Bengaluru.

When addressing the media, he stated, "We did not request the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise or the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to organize this event; they arranged it independently."

He added, "The government felt it was appropriate to honor the players and participate in the festivities, given that it was a Bengaluru team. That was the extent of our involvement."

"The KSCA and RCB were responsible for bringing the team to Bengaluru for the celebrations. A thorough investigation will be conducted into all aspects, and we will address all questions once the necessary information is available," he concluded.

According to Parameshwara, 11 individuals have died as a result of the tragedy, and 56 others sustained injuries. Of the injured, 46 have been discharged from hospitals, while the remaining 10 are under medical care, with their condition reported as stable.

To avert future incidents, the government and the Home Department plan to establish a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Future events, conventions, and celebrations will be organized in accordance with guidelines set forth by the Police Department,” emphasized HM Parameshwara.

The Chief Minister has commissioned a magisterial inquiry led by the Deputy Commissioner of the Bengaluru Urban district, and until the inquiry report is released, Parameshwara noted that no further statements could be made.