Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 5 (HBTV): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday inspected the site of the stampede at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where 11 people lost their lives and several others were injured. He stated that the state government had not asked the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) or the Karnataka Cricket Association (KCA) to organise the victory celebrations at the stadium.

Speaking to the media, Parameshwara said, ‘We did not request RCB or the KCA. They organised it (the victory celebration). They are the ones who brought the team to Bengaluru. The government also felt it should facilitate this, as it was the Bengaluru team. I feel very sorry that this incident happened.’

He confirmed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and assured that strict action would be taken based on the findings.

‘The CM has ordered a magisterial inquiry... Let the report of the inquiry come to the government, and if there were any lapses, then action will be initiated against whoever is found responsible,’ he added.

The tragedy occurred when an overwhelming crowd of fans gathered near the stadium to catch a glimpse of the RCB players following the team’s victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The crowd reportedly exceeded expectations, resulting in chaos and a deadly stampede.

The Karnataka government announced a compensation of INR 10 lakh to the families of the deceased and assured free treatment for the injured.

‘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,’ said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a press conference.

Expressing deep sorrow, he said, ‘Eleven 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 added that he had directed officials to complete the magisterial inquiry within 15 days.

‘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. 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,’ CM Siddaramaiah said.

(ANI)