Will No Culprit Escape Justice? NHRC’s Priyank Kanoongo on Bengaluru Stampede

New Delhi, June 4 (NationPress) Following the devastating stampede that resulted in the loss of 11 lives during the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s IPL victory celebrations in Bengaluru, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Member Priyank Kanoongo voiced his profound concern and committed to ensuring accountability in a public statement.

Kanoongo shared on X, “The incident of innocent lives lost in the stampede during the IPL cricket tournament celebration in Karnataka is deeply tragic. We are taking cognizance of the situation, and responsibility for the culprits will be established post-investigation, with no one allowed to evade justice. Citizens are encouraged to send information regarding the injured and deceased directly to my email, and to aid the victims. It is vital that no victim's information remains concealed, as it is our duty to seek justice for them.”

The tragic event transpired outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, where approximately 200,000 people congregated to celebrate RCB's inaugural IPL title win.

This overwhelming turnout exceeded the stadium’s official capacity of 35,000, resulting in panic and a fatal stampede near the main gates.

The Karnataka government has confirmed that 11 individuals, predominantly young girls and boys, have lost their lives, while 33 others sustained injuries, all of whom are now reported to be safe.

Later that evening, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed the media, describing the incident as a “significant tragedy” and visited the injured at Bowring and Vaidehi hospitals.

“One hundred thousand people assembled in front of Vidhana Soudha. The capacity of Chinnaswamy Stadium is 35,000, yet about 200,000 to 300,000 people gathered at the stadium. This turnout was unexpected,” he remarked.

“Among the deceased, the majority are young girls and boys. We are providing Rs 10 lakh in compensation for each deceased’s family, and the injured will receive complimentary medical treatment.”

Siddaramaiah emphasized that the situation was unforeseen and assured that a magisterial inquiry would determine if there were any planning or security lapses, with a report expected within 15 days.

When pressed by journalists about whether his comments exonerated the administration, Siddaramaiah replied firmly: “The media should refrain from asking questions like an opposition party... I am not interested in political games. Let’s await the results of the investigation.”

This incident has incited a wave of criticism from opposition parties, particularly the BJP, regarding alleged administrative failures. Nevertheless, the Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to accountability over political maneuvering.