RCB in the Dock: Karnataka Government Blames Franchise for Chinnaswamy Stadium Stampede Tragedy

A moment of intended celebration turned into a day of mourning. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a beloved IPL franchise, is now at the centre of intense scrutiny after the Karnataka government formally held it accountable for the deadly stampede that unfolded outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025. The tragedy claimed 11 lives and left over 50 injured, shaking the cricketing fraternity and the city of Bengaluru alike.

What Happened on June 4?

According to the Karnataka government’s status report, which was made public after the High Court denied its request to keep it confidential, the chaos stemmed from a lack of planning and procedural lapses by the RCB management, its event partner DNA Networks Pvt Ltd, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).

“The RCB Management, in association with its event management partner, DNA Networks Private Limited, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), unilaterally decided to hold the victory celebration without prior consultation with the police and without obtaining the necessary permissions or license for such celebration.”

Despite being denied permission by the Cubbon Park police on June 3 — owing to insufficient information about the gathering and short notice — RCB proceeded with public announcements the very next morning.

A Timeline of Events

Social Media Amplified the Risk

The government’s report emphasizes how RCB’s early morning posts went viral. Fans flooded the parade route from Vidhana Soudha to the stadium, many unaware that the event lacked proper clearances.

The government cited the Licensing and Controlling of Assemblies and Processions (Bangalore City) Order, 2009, underscoring that: “There was no requisition for permission for permissions in the prescribed format, nor was any necessary information provided to the concerned departments to anticipate the gathering and make adequate preparation.”

Legal Wrangle: Officers, Accountability, and the CAT Order

While the state pinned primary responsibility on RCB and DNA Networks, it also took aim at law enforcement’s preparedness. The government has legally challenged the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) order that revoked the suspension of five officers — including IPS officer Vikash Kumar — who were initially blamed for mishandling the crowd.

“What was the officer doing? Did he take any action? Instead of issuing prohibitory orders under the Police Act, they proceeded with bandobast arrangements for the celebration,” argued the government in court. The state contends that managing such a massive crowd on just 12 hours’ notice was “an impossible task.”

Where the Investigation Stands

As of now, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is wrapping up its probe. Senior executives from RCB and DNA Networks have already recorded their statements. The final verdict and recommendations are awaited.

The Bigger Picture: Who’s Responsible?

The tragedy has ignited a broader debate about event management accountability, franchise responsibility, and police preparedness. While fans sought to celebrate a cricketing milestone, miscommunication and poor planning led to a catastrophe.

The RCB brand, typically associated with energy, celebration, and cricketing excellence, now finds itself defending not a scorecard, but its reputation.

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