Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 5 (HBTV): Following the stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that he would not justify the mishap by comparing it to similar tragedies elsewhere, such as those that occurred during the Kumbh Mela.

Speaking to the media, Siddaramaiah said he did not criticise the incident when several people lost their lives in a stampede at the Mahakumbh.

‘Such incidents happened in so many places. I am not going to defend this by comparing it with them now by saying it happened here and there. In Kumbh Mela, 50–60 people died, I didn’t criticise it,’ he said.

‘If Congress criticises, then that is a different matter. Did I or the Karnataka government criticise?’ he added.

Addressing a press conference, the Chief Minister announced that the state government would provide free treatment to those injured in the incident.

‘A major tragedy occurred during the victory celebrations. It happened near the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The government has announced a compensation of INR 10 lakh for the deceased. The government will provide free treatment to the injured,’ CM Siddaramaiah said.

Expressing deep sorrow, he added, ‘11 died and 33 were injured in the stampede. This tragedy should not have happened. The government expresses deep sorrow over this incident.’

The Chief Minister further asserted that a magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

‘I don’t want to defend this incident. Our government will not do politics on this. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry and given 15 days’ time. People even broke the gates of the stadium. There was a stampede. No one expected such a huge crowd. The stadium has a capacity of only 35,000 people, but 2–3 lakh people came,’ Siddaramaiah said.

Thousands of fans had gathered outside the stadium in Bengaluru to catch a glimpse of their team after Royal Challengers Bangalore ended an 18-year wait for the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in the 2025 final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, describing the incident as ‘absolutely heartrending’.

In a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, he extended his thoughts to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

‘The mishap in Bengaluru is absolutely heartrending. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those who are injured have a speedy recovery,’ the PMO stated on X.

(ANI)