June 7, 2025
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Bengaluru stampede

Top KSCA officials resign after owning moral responsibility for Bengaluru stampede

Top KSCA officials resign after owning moral responsibility for Bengaluru stampede

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The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) secretary A Shankar and treasurer E Jairam have handed in their resignations in the wake of the Bengaluru stampede on Friday, June 6. The duo announced their decision through a joint press release on Saturday. The Bengaluru stampede happened on the day after RCB’s IPL title win on June 3. The incident led to the death of 11 people and left many injured. In the press release, Shankar and Sriram said that they are taking moral responsibility for the incident, despite their role in it being very limited. The duo said that they had handed their resignations to the President of KSCA on Friday. “This is to inform that due to the unforeseen and unfortunate events that have unfolded in the last two days and though our role was very limited, but owing moral responsibility, we wish to state that last night we have tendered our resignation to our respective posts as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, by way of a letter dated 06.06.2025 to the President of Karnataka State Cricket Association. This is for your information,” read the statement on the press release. How did the Bengaluru stampede happen A large crowd had gathered outside the Chinnaswamy stadium to be a part of the felicitation ceremony for the RCB players on June 4 after they won the IPL 2025 title after beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in the final. However, complete mismanagement of the large crowd led to the death of 11 people, and nearly 50 were injured as a deadly stampede broke out outside the venue. Even though the event was only for people with valid passes, a huge crowd appeared at the venue to get a glimpse of the RCB squad. Since then, RCB has announced a compensation for the families of the victims and set up a fund to help the people who were injured in the incident. Published On: Jun 7, 2025 Tune In

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Bengaluru stampede case: Karnataka State Cricket Association secretary, treasurer resign; RCB parent company remains tight lipped | Cricket News

Bengaluru stampede case: Karnataka State Cricket Association secretary, treasurer resign; RCB parent company remains tight lipped | Cricket News

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Workers remove footwear lying near Gate No. 7 of the Chinnaswamy Stadium a day after the stampede, following a large gathering of fans for the felicitation of IPL 2025 winning Royal Challengers Bengaluru team, in Bengaluru, Karnataka. (PTI) Karnataka State Cricket Association secrteary A Shankar and treasurer ES Jairam have resigned from their posts in the aftermath of the stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4 that claimed 11 lives and injured 75 people. Lakhs of people had congregated to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL title a night before.“This is to inform that due to the unforeseen and unfortunate events that have unfolded in the last two days and though our role was very limited, but owing moral responsibility, we wish to state that last night we have tendered our resignation to our respective posts as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, by way of a letter dated 06.06.2025 to the President of Karnataka State Cricket Association,” said Shankar and Jairam in a press release on Saturday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Despite getting some leeway from the Karnataka High Court, pressure had mounted on the KSCA top brass to step down on moral grounds.In their plea in court, KSCA’s committee had stated: “There is no wrong that can be attributed to the committee or its office-bearers as they stand aloof of any liabilities against the entire unfortunate incident…” They also stated that the stadium is managed by RCB since the IPL franchise had rented the premises. Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy Additionally, news agency PTI reported that the KSCA had sought permission from the government to conduct the celebrations on behalf of event management company DNA Entertainment Networks. The KSCA stated that the concerned company would “make necessary arrangements” for the event.“On behalf of the M/s DNA Entertainment Networks Private Limited, KSCA requests to inform that after the TATA IPL 2025 Finals on 3rd June 2025, in case Royal Challengers Bengaluru wins the IPL 2025 title, M/s DNA Entertainment Networks Private Limited shall make plans for the felicitation ceremony at the Vidhana Soudha Grand Steps,” KSCA stated in the letter.“KSCA requests that M/s DNA Entertainment Networks Private Limited shall be permitted to make necessary arrangements at the Vidhana Soudha Grand Steps,” the association further said in the letter addressed to the Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms (DPAR) of the state government.While the felicitation ceremony at the Vidhan Soudha passed off without any major glitch, chaos happened outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium where lakhs converged following RCB’s social media invitation, despite inadequate planning and organisation. That post has since been deleted. A planned victory parade, on an open top bus, had to be cancelled but the function inside the stadium proceeded despite the tragedy that unfolded outside.KSCA puts blame squarely on RCB, DNA Complaint Filed Against Virat Kohli Over Bengaluru Stampede | RCB | IPL | Karnataka The KSCA pleaded in Court that there is “absolutely no wrong that can be attributed to the Petitioner Committee or its office bearers as they stand aloof of any liabilities against the entire unfortunate incident.”“IPL events are conducted by RCB through their service provider M/S DNA network private limited and the role of KSCA is very limited as it accommodates by extending the venue and infrastructure,” the body stated in its writ petition.“KCSA facilitates government permissions. The management of gates is the responsibility of RCB Franchise /DNA who execute under the direction of the police.“The police have registered the FIR under intense pressure and compelling circumstances without any preliminary enquiry by naming the petitioner/members of KSCA as accused,” it added.Justice SR Krishna Kumar, who heard the petition seeking to quash the FIR against the KSCA office-bearers, restrained the police from taking any coercive action against the officials until the next hearing (June 16).RCB parent company stays quiet Footwears lie on the ground outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium following a stampede after a large number of fans gathered for the felicitation of IPL 2025 winning Royal Challengers Bengaluru team, in Bengaluru, Karnataka. (Pic credit: PTI) It has now been three days since tragedy struck Bengaluru and innocent lives were lost due to the chaos. RCB have issued statements, announced monetary compensation for the families of the deceased 11 individuals and setup a ‘RCB Cares’ fund for the injured fans.Yet, the parent company behind RCB, Diageo, have remained quiet. As TimesofIndia.com reported, we’ve sent a specific set of questions to Diageo on the stampede. The queries ask for their reaction on the incident, why they’ve been quiet, whether they were satisfied with the arrangements and whether this has soured the victory celebrations. As things stand, the company has not responded.Meanwhile, RCB’s marketing head Nikhil Sosale has been sent to judicial custody until June 19. He, and three other DNA Event Management Company staffers, was arrested in the early hours of Friday at the airport.

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Bengaluru stampede: Shankar and Jairam resign as secretary and treasurer of Karnataka State Cricket Association

Bengaluru stampede: Shankar and Jairam resign as secretary and treasurer of Karnataka State Cricket Association

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans who gathered outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025. Taking moral responsibility for the Bengaluru stampede, Shankar and Jairam have rendered their resignation from the post of secretary and treasurer on June 7, 2025. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar Two top Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) officials resigned in the aftermath of the stampede at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed 11 lives. A. Shankar and E.S. Jairam, the KSCA Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer respectively, tendered their resignation on Saturday (June 7, 2025). “This is to inform that due to the unforeseen and unfortunate events that have unfolded in the last two days and though our role was very limited, but owing moral responsibility, we wish to state that last night we have tendered our resignation to our respective posts as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, by way of a letter dated 6.06.2025 to the President of Karnataka State Cricket Association,” a joint statement from Shankar and Jairam read. Shankar and Jairam Former India cricketer Raghuram Bhat remains the KSCA president. On Friday (June 6, 2025), the High Court of Karnataka restrained the police from taking any coercive steps against the three members of the KSCA managing committee, based on the FIR registered in connection with the stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy stadium. The KSCA had submitted that it had only rented out the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), which owns RCB. In November 2022, Raghuram and the rest of the office bearers were elected unopposed. The next election is scheduled to be held later this year. Published – June 07, 2025 10:20 am IST

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RCB's parent company Diageo continues to maintain silence on Bengaluru stampede | Cricket News

RCB’s parent company Diageo continues to maintain silence on Bengaluru stampede | Cricket News

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL trophy celebrations were marred by a stampede. New Delhi: It’s been close to 48 hours since 11 lives were lost and 75 were injured due to the stampede caused by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) victory parade on June 4, hours after they ended their Indian Premier League title wait. The celebrations in and around the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru turned out to be a big fat mess and many innocent lives were lost due the chaos.The franchise has copped plenty of criticism but it has come as a surprise that its parent company – Diageo – a British multinational alcoholic company, continues to maintain silence over the matter. There have been a couple of statements by the RCB but not a single word from Diageo yet.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!TimesofIndia.com reached out to the company last night with a very specific set of questions – reaction to the Bengaluru stampede, reason for the company’s silence, whether they were satisfied with the arrangements made by the RCB and whether it mars the end of 18-year-long wait for a title – but there has been no response yet. The story will be updated the moment they share a response. Poll Which measure is more effective to prevent tragedies during large gatherings? Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy The Bengaluru Police have already swung into action and have arrested RCB’s marketing head Nikhil Sosale earlier on Friday morning. Apart from Sosale, three employees of DNA Entertainment Networks were also arrested. The police, in the FIR, have claimed that they denied RCB the permission to conduct the parade at the Chinnaswamy. Further investigation and rounds of questioning will reveal what actually transpired on June 4.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) continues to maintain that the event was organised by the RCB and they had no role to play in it. IPL Governing Council Chairman Arun Dhamal has asserted that he alerted the RCB officials when things went out of control outside the cricket ground. Meanwhile, the event inside continued even when chaos prevailed.During a press conference on June 5, India head coach Gautam Gambhir minced no words on the tragedy in Bengaluru. Scene outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru where a stampede occurred on June 4. “I was never a believer that we need to have roadshows. Never. When I was playing, I had the same statement even after winning the 2007 (T20 World Cup)… The lives of people are far more important and I will continue to say that,” Gambhir said ahead of the team’s departure for England.“What has happened is very tragic. My heart goes out to the families who have lost their loved ones,” he said. “I hope in the future nothing like this happens because I think we all are responsible citizens. We should take care of all this,” Gambhir added.It now remains to be seen what transpires next because what happened in Bengaluru has not pleased the top brass of the Indian cricket board too.

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Bengaluru stampede case: What we know so far on RCB's celebrations that turned catastrophic | Cricket News

Bengaluru stampede case: What we know so far on RCB’s celebrations that turned catastrophic | Cricket News

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Virat Kohli and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru team’s celebrations turned tragic after a stampede at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. (PTI) Royal Challengers Bengaluru should be celebrating their maiden IPL title success. Instead, the franchise is under-fire for the tragic scenes at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday which claimed the lives of 11 individuals and left 75 injured.On 3 June, RCB beat Punjab Kings in the IPL Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This was their first IPL title in the 18th season of India’s T20 league. During the post-match celebrations, Virat Kohli, former India and RCB captain and an icon for the team, announces there will be city-wide celebrations the day after.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The day after, on 4 June, RCB leave from Ahmedabad for Bengaluru with plans of conducting an open-bus parade and a ceremony at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Upon landing in Bengaluru, the team got into a bus and were welcomed by thousands. Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy During this time, their plans of an open bus parade were cancelled by the Bengaluru Traffic Police due to concerns over congestion on the route. The franchise posted on X that a ceremony will go ahead at the team’s home stadium at 5pm local time.RCB’s next stop, with a short halt at a hotel for check-in, was the Vidhan Soudha to meet the Chief Minister where they were felicitated by the state government for the achievement.Meanwhile, at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the crowd had swelled to unimaginable levels catching the security, police and organisers off guard. Thousands of people flooded into the streets near the Chinnaswamy stadium and the team hotel Despite heavy rain at the venue which has a capacity of 35,000 people, nearly 10-times the number turned up to catch a glimpse of the team and partake in the celebrations.As the team celebrated inside, many fans were crushed outside. In shambolic and chaotic scenes, RCB, event management company DNA, and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) failed to ensure smooth access.With situation getting worse, the toll continued to rise gradually until it reached 11 dead and 75 injured. In the aftermath, FIRs have been registered, a one-member commission, headed by retired judge Justice Michael Cunha, has been launched by the government to probe the incident. Karnataka High Court, meanwhile, registered a suo motu case in the stampede.RCB announce compensationRCB announced a financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the 11 supporters, who lost their lives in the stampede.“As a mark of respect and a gesture of solidarity, RCB has announced a financial support of Rs 10 lakh to each of the eleven families of the deceased. In addition, a fund called RCB Cares is also being created to support fans injured in this tragic incident,” the team has said in a statement.In a social media statement prior to this, the franchise had said, “RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extends our heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program and followed the guidance and advice of the local administration,” the RCB said in a statement.“We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us.“We urge all our supporters to please stay safe,” RCB said in the statement released late in the evening.Virat Kohli posted on Instagram, “At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted.”FIRs filed against RCB, DNA, KSCAThe Cubbon Park police filed FIRs against RCB, DNA and KSCA in the case. Lodged by Police Inspector Girish A.K., the FIR has been registered under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 118(1) (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by using dangerous weapons or means), 118(2) read with Section 3(5) (voluntarily causing grievous hurt, when the act is done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), 190 (unlawful assembly), 132 (criminal force to deter a public servant), 125(a) (filing false affidavit), and 125(b) (rash and negligent acts that endanger human life). Footwear strewn near one of the gates to Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday. “This incident occurred because appropriate arrangements were not made for the fans to enter the stadium. The announcement by the RCB on their official website that free passes would be distributed at the gates for the public is the reason for the gathering of lakhs of people. It was difficult to avert the incident. The police had deputed sufficient officers and cops, initiated all required security measures, and thereby averted a much larger tragedy,” the FIR stated.The FIR clarified that the officers of the Cubbon Park Sub-Division were deputed to duty until 5.30 am on June 4 (the morning after RCB’s title win).The FIR states: “At 6 p.m. on June 3, Shubendu Ghosh, the Chief Executive Officer of the KSCA, submitted a memorandum to the Police Inspector seeking arrangements for security measures for the victory celebrations at the stadium on June 4. The inspector told him clearly that if RCB wins, the fans will celebrate all night, and security arrangements will have to be made for that. If the KSCA organises another programme the next day, there will be disruption.”The FIR further stated that RCB, KSCA, and DNA managements, by not providing correct information on passes and free entry to people and fans, created confusion among lakhs of fans that reached the stadium, resulting in pushing and chaos. Following this, a stampede occurred at gate numbers 2, 2A, 6, 7, 15, 17, 18, and 21. Child faints outside Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium as a massive crowd gathers to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 victory “The Police Inspector told him that time was needed to arrange security measures, and permission was therefore denied for victory celebrations. Despite the denial of permission, RCB, DNA,…

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Bengaluru stampede case: Who is Nikhil Sosale, the RCB official arrested by police | Cricket News

Bengaluru stampede case: Who is Nikhil Sosale, the RCB official arrested by police | Cricket News

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Nikhil Sosale (right) in a photo featuring Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. Sosale has been arrested by local police in the Bengaluru stampede case. The Bengaluru Police have arrested Nikhil Sosale, marketing head for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Diageo India, and three others from DNA Entertainment Networks on Friday morning in connection with the stampede that occurred during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations on Wednesday. RCB’s maiden IPL title celebrations turned tragic resulting in 11 deaths and 75 injured.The arrests took place following directions from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who called for action against officials from RCB, DNA Entertainment, and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Sosale was taken into custody at Bengaluru airport while attempting to travel to Mumbai.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Three staff members from DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt. Ltd have been detained by the police as part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic incident. They’ve been identified as Sunil Mathew (director and vice president), Sumatnth (DNA ticketing official) and Kiran Kumar (manager).The state government has suspended several top police officials, including Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda. A one-man judicial commission, headed by retired Karnataka High Court judge Justice Michael D’Cunha, has been established to investigate the case within 30 days. Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy The stampede occurred outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during celebrations following RCB’s first-ever IPL championship victory against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The tragedy unfolded during a victory parade that was initially denied permission by the Bengaluru Police.Despite the initial denial, RCB announced on social media at 3 PM that the parade would proceed from Vidhana Soudha to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium at 5pm. The franchise has faced criticism for continuing celebrations inside the stadium while the stampede occurred outside.Who is Nikhil Sosale? Security personnel try to manage the crowd of fans gathered for the felicitation of IPL 2025 winning Royal Challengers Bengaluru team in Bengaluru, Karnataka. (PTI) Nikhil Sosale has been closely associated with RCB since its early years. According to his LinkedIn profile, he leads the design, strategy, and delivery of the business and marketing side of the leading brand and commercial program in the IPL. He holds a Double Major in Business from James Cook University, which he completed between 2008 and 2010.Sosale has been a visible presence at RCB games throughout the 2025 season, often seen sitting with Virat Kohli’s wife Anushka Sharma in the stands. He maintains a private Instagram profile with 637 followers, which both Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma follow.He is married to Malvika Nayak, who heads the business development and partnerships department at Innoz Technologies Pvt.Ltd.In response to the tragedy, RCB had announced financial aid for all 11 families who lost members in the stampede. The franchise has also established an ‘RCB Cares’ fund to support the individuals who were injured in the incident.The Cubbon Park police registered a suo-motu case against the accused — (Accused No. 1) RCB franchise, (accused No. 2) DNA Entertainment, and (accused No. 3) KSCA administrative committee. FIR was booked under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 105 (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 118 (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 190 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), and 125 (act endangering life or personal safety of others).A second FIR was registered based on the complaint of Rolongumes, who was injured in the incident, under the BNS section 125 A (act endangering life or personal safety of others).

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'Cannot lose 11 people': Gautam Gambhir makes a strong statement on Bengaluru stampede, RCB celebrations | Cricket News

‘Cannot lose 11 people’: Gautam Gambhir makes a strong statement on Bengaluru stampede, RCB celebrations | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir made a strong statement on the tragic stampede in Bengaluru that occurred during RCB’s IPL 2025 victory celebrations. The incident resulted in the loss of several lives and left many others injured. Gambhir, along with newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill, addressed the media in Mumbai ahead of the team’s departure for England for a five-match Test series.“I was never a believer of road shows. I had the same statement to make even after winning in 2007, we should never have roadshows. Maybe in the future we can do something in a stadium. My heart goes to the families of those who lost their lives,” Gambhir said.“All I can say is, we need to be responsible. Every life matters. If we are not ready to hold a road show, we should not do that. You cannot at any point of time lose 11 people,” he added.Shubman Gill was named the new captain of the Indian Test team, a decision officially announced by the BCCI during the squad unveiling for the upcoming England tour, set to begin on June 20. RCB Victory Parade: At least 8 Dead, Several Injured In Stampede Outside Bengaluru Stadium India’s tour of England also marks the start of their ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign, with the five-Test series scheduled at iconic venues: Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.This series represents more than just another overseas assignment—it signals the dawn of a new era in Indian cricket. As Gill takes charge, he not only inherits the legacy left behind by stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R. Ashwin but also carries the promise of a fresh chapter for the team. Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy India Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep YadavEngland Squad: Ben Stokes (C), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris WoakesTest series schedule:1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord’s, London4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, Kia Oval, London

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Gautam Gambhir breaks silence on 11 deaths in Bengaluru during RCB's IPL celebration: 'I've never believed in roadshows'

Gautam Gambhir breaks silence on 11 deaths in Bengaluru during RCB’s IPL celebration: ‘I’ve never believed in roadshows’

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Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the tragedy of Wednesday in Bengaluru, where a stampede led to the loss of 11 lives and injured multiple individuals outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Gambhir was blunt in his assessment, saying that he is not a fan of roadshows, urging the authority to be a lot more responsible. The former India batter mentioned that no matter how big the occasion is, such over-the-top celebrations should be curbed to ensure the safety of people. Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill (L) and head coach Gautam Gambhir address a pre-departure presser(AFP) The Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who won their maiden IPL trophy by beating Punjab Kings in the final, were in for a festive day, with felicitations and a packed Chinnaswamy Stadium ready to welcome and cherish their feat. But the tragedy that unfolded left players, authorities and the franchise shocked. The police lost control of the sea of humanity outside the stadium, eventually leading to multiple deaths. Gambhir stressed that there is nothing more important than the lives of people, and if that is put in jeopardy, some serious soul-searching is required.  “I was never a believer that we need to have roadshows. Even when I was playing, I had the same statement to make. After winning in 2007 [T20 World Cup], I felt that we should not have roadshows. The lives of the people are far more important, and I will continue to say that. Even in future, I think we can be a little bit aware and not hold these roadshows,” Gambhir said ahead of the Indian team’s departure for England in Mumbai on Thursday. Also Read: ‘Can’t believe Virat Kohli knew people were dying outside and…’; RCB’s ‘over-the-top’ hype blamed for Bengaluru stampede “Have it under closed doors, or a low-profile affair inside a stadium. But it is very tragic what happened yesterday, and my heart goes out to the families of people who lost their loved ones. I hope that in future, nothing like this happens because we are all responsible citizens.” ‘Might as well cancel these roadshows’, says Gautam Gambhir As Gambhir pointed out, he has been part of two open-bus victory parades during his career: once with the Indian team in Mumbai, after they won the 2007 T20 World Cup, and once with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012. However, things in Mumbai were managed so spotlessly that not a single disturbing piece of news came of it. In fact, just last year, after winning the T20 World Cup in the West Indies, the players were part of another road show, again conducted seamlessly in the same city.  RCB have copped plenty of flak for continuing with the celebrations inside the stadium even as people died outside, with the franchise getting named in an FIR that was launched earlier in the day. Gambhir reiterated his point that if the infrastructure is not ready to handle an event of such magnitude, pulling off the plug is the best option. “It does not matter how big or small the fanbase is. It does not matter who I hold responsible. Like I said, even when I was playing, I wasn’t a believer in such road shows. I stand by it today and in future too. Yes, winning is important, and celebrations are important, but more important are the lives of people. So, if you are not ready or suited to handle that kind of crowd, then you might as well cancel these roadshows,” the head coach further added.

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'Why couldn't you wait 1-2 days? Why such a hurry?' Manoj Tiwary's tough questions to RCB after lives lost in Bengaluru

‘Why couldn’t you wait 1-2 days? Why such a hurry?’ Manoj Tiwary’s tough questions to RCB after lives lost in Bengaluru

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On what should have been a joyous day for Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans, tragedy struck outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium, turning celebrations into chaos. A stampede at RCB’s home venue in Bengaluru claimed 11 lives and left over 30 people injured, abruptly halting the team’s maiden IPL victory festivities. The players had no clue of the tragedy that was unfolding outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium(AFP) Since RCB’s return to Bengaluru on Wednesday afternoon, enthusiastic crowds gathered across the city, eager to catch a glimpse of their beloved stars, especially Virat Kohli. However, the excitement turned tragic when a stampede broke out near the Chinnaswamy during the team’s visit to Vidhana Soudha to meet Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Initially, the death toll remained unclear, but upon RCB’s arrival at the stadium, authorities confirmed the devastating number of casualties. In an interview with Hindustan Times, former India and KKR batter Manoj Tiwary expressed heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones. He also called for greater accountability and justice for the bereaved, emphasising the need for support and answers in the wake of the tragedy. Also Read: RCB show solidarity in fresh statement on stampede tragedy; announce financial aid for families of deceased “It is an unfortunate incident. It’s a very sad incident. There is no doubt that all the innocent people who had gone to celebrate had no idea that this would happen to them. It is very sad to think about it. It is very unfortunate that in this day and age, where facilities can be provided at the drop of a hat, such an incident happened and people end up losing their loves,” he said. “I felt very bad. There should be accountability. Whoever was responsible for organising it should have been a little proactive. And, I think there should have been an idea that lakhs of people would turn up to see RCB from close quarters. Because look, saying that we had no idea that so many people would come, it does not make sense. Before the IPL finals, we all knew that RCB have a tremendous fanbase all over the country. So, keeping that in mind, there should have been proactiveness, there should have been a system. So, there should have been precautions. There should have been due diligence,” he added. Also Read: ‘Can’t believe Virat Kohli knew people were dying outside and…’; RCB’s ‘over-the-top’ hype blamed for Bengaluru stampede The IPL 2025 champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, have faced sharp criticism for continuing celebrations inside M Chinnaswamy Stadium despite reports of a deadly stampede outside. In a statement released Wednesday night, the franchise clarified that they promptly curtailed the festivities upon learning of the tragedy and adhered to the protocols set by local authorities. Former India and KKR batter Tiwary acknowledged that RCB might deserve some leniency but questioned how the management and authorities could have been unaware of the stampede, given the rapid spread of news on social media. “If you can give a little benefit of the doubt, then you can. But, I don’t think that in today’s world, there is such a social media era, the message and the news must have gone. I don’t know, it is very difficult to sit here and speak. If they had found out about the stampede, despite that, if they still continued, then this would have been wrong. This should not have happened,” he said. “Nothing is more important than a person’s life. So, if this has happened, then it is very unfortunate. But, you can give a little benefit of the doubt. Now, what is the truth or not, it is very difficult for me to say. But, it could have been avoided. Because of the kind of crowd that came, the authorities should have prepared for such a big crowd. ‘RCB should have organised parade after 1-2 days’ Tiwary, no stranger to victory celebrations, drew from his experience with KKR’s 2012 IPL-winning squad. He recalled the well-orchestrated gala event and victory parade at Eden Gardens, hosted by Shah Rukh Khan and KKR’s management, which unfolded without any chaotic incidents. In contrast, RCB has faced backlash for hastily organising their celebratory event within 18-20 hours of their IPL 2025 triumph. Critics argue that the rushed planning contributed to the tragic stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium, unlike KKR’s carefully planned felicitation ceremony held two days after their victory. “I think it would have been better if they had done it after 1-2 days. Administrations know what can and cannot be done. Good administrators, like Mamta Banerjee ji, have a lot of experience, so they know what can and cannot be done. So, she followed due diligence, organised everything and did it accordingly. Somewhere, that is why I am saying, accountability should be there,” said Tiwary. “Whether it is the administration, whether it is the government, whether it is the management of RCB, or whoever it is, accountability should be there. See, today, after celebrating, every player went to their homes, but those who have died, and the condition of their family, only they can know. Small children, such pictures and videos have come in front, what is the benefit? They do not understand. Why the event was organised in such a hurry, why couldn’t they have waited for a day or two,” he concluded.

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Beyond tragic: Tendulkar condoles Chinnaswamy stampede deaths

Beyond tragic: Tendulkar condoles Chinnaswamy stampede deaths

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Sachin Tendulkar. File | Photo Credit: PTI Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar has offered his condolences on the loss of 11 lives in a stampede outside Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations, describing the incident as “beyond tragic”. Apart from 11 deaths, more than 30 were injured in a stampede outside the popular venue on Wednesday (June 4, 2025) during the victory celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL trophy win. “What happened at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, is beyond tragic. My heart goes out to every affected family. Wishing peace and strength to all,” Tendulkar wrote on ‘X’. What happened at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, is beyond tragic. My heart goes out to every affected family. Wishing peace and strength to all. 🙏 — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 4, 2025 Former South African and RCB batter AB de Villiers, who is immensely popular in Bengaluru, also expressed his sympathy for the victims. “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the tragic events at the Chinnaswamy stadium today,” De Villiers wrote. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the tragic events at the Chinnaswamy stadium today. https://t.co/klmCQrjn6k — AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) June 4, 2025 Former Indian captain-cum-coach and a Bengaluru native, Anil Kumble termed the incident as a “sad day for cricket”. “It’s a Sad day for Cricket! My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives while celebrating RCB’s victory today. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. Tragic !!,” he wrote. It’s a Sad day for Cricket! My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives while celebrating RCB’s victory today. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. Tragic !! 💔💔 — Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) June 4, 2025 Yuvraj Singh added, “What was meant to be a moment of celebration turned into an unimaginable tragedy. My heart goes out to everyone affected by the incident in #Bengaluru. “May the families find strength and the departed souls rest in peace.” What was meant to be a moment of celebration turned into an unimaginable tragedy. My heart goes out to everyone affected by the incident in #Bengaluru. May the families find strength and the departed souls rest in peace 🙏🏻 — Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) June 4, 2025 The incident was triggered by a heavy rush of people to join a hastily-arranged celebration for the franchise. The police and local administration were left overwhelmed by the lakhs who took to the streets to join the festivities at a stadium which can accommodate only 35,000 people. Published – June 05, 2025 12:58 pm IST

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