Did Criminal Negligence Lead to the Bengaluru Stampede?

Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, the victory parade of RCB turned deadly, leading to 11 lives lost. Lalit Modi's criticisms of the authorities reveal the urgent need for accountability and safety measures at public events.
Key Takeaways
- 11 lives lost during the RCB victory parade stampede.
- Lalit Modi's condemnation of the event management.
- Importance of fan safety at public events.
- Call for accountability from authorities and organizers.
- Need for better planning in future celebrations.
New Delhi, June 10 (NationPress) Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi has sharply condemned the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise and the Karnataka state government for the heartbreaking stampede that resulted in 11 fatalities and numerous injuries during the team’s victory parade in Bengaluru earlier this month.
Following RCB’s first-ever IPL title win, thousands of ecstatic fans congregated outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, where official celebrations were planned. However, the gathering took a tragic turn as the overcrowded venue descended into chaos when fans tried to force their way into the stadium, leading to a horrifying stampede.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, Lalit Modi expressed heartfelt condolences to the victims' families and characterized the incident as a blatant case of mismanagement.
"Primarily, my condolences go out to the families of those who perished in the stampede. This catastrophe should never have occurred. The event was inadequately planned and executed," Modi stated.
"There is excessive blame-shifting happening, but the truth is clear — the event should never have taken place without appropriate safety measures. Both the authorities and the team management fell short in ensuring the safety of fans before engaging in these so-called celebrations."
Modi was particularly harsh in his critique, adding, "The unfortunate fans who lost their lives or were hurt were merely expressing their love for the game and their team. They deserved far better. This tragedy will linger with the RCB franchise and the players involved in the celebrations indefinitely. I emphasize — even a single death or injury is intolerable. There must be accountability."
He further underscored the imperative for accountability and prioritizing fan safety, stating, "The value of life and the well-being of fans must be of utmost importance. Yet, it appears that no one truly cares. The government should have taken greater steps to ensure the event was organized safely. We've witnessed major events throughout India being managed successfully — why not this one?"