Karnataka High Court seeks report from state govt on Bengaluru stampede during RCB victory parade
PTC Web Desk: The Karnataka High Court on Thursday took cognizance of the tragic stampede incident that occurred during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory parade on May 4 and has issued a notice to the state government to submit a detailed report on the matter.
A Bench comprising acting Chief Justice V Kameshwar Rao and Justice CM Joshi directed the government to clarify the circumstances that led to the stampede and submit its findings before the next hearing, scheduled for June 10.
During the hearing, state counsel informed the court that all injured were provided with immediate medical assistance following the incident. The government further stated that 1,380 police personnel had been deployed during the event. However, this figure contradicted Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s earlier statement, where he had claimed that 1,000 security personnel were assigned for the parade.
The petitioner's counsel raised questions about the administrative decision to honour the RCB team, noting that the players do not represent the country at the national level. He urged the court to seek clarity on who authorised the felicitation and the rationale behind it.
The stampede took place on May 4 outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, shortly before the commencement of a public event celebrating RCB’s maiden IPL title win. The celebrations began with a formal felicitation at the state assembly complex, followed by a public programme at the stadium.
As large crowds gathered, chaos broke out at the stadium gates. According to preliminary investigations, people attempted to force their way through gates 10, 12, and 13. The police responded with a lathi charge, during which a slab covering a nearby drain collapsed, exacerbating the panic amid light rainfall. Around 3.30 pm, all stadium gates were shut due to overcrowding, resulting in further unrest and a surge in crowd pressure, particularly at Gate No. 10.
Eyewitnesses and reports indicate that in the ensuing disorder, women and children were pushed back by the police, with some women reportedly collapsing on the spot. The stampede claimed 11 lives and left 33 others injured. All deceased were under the age of 35, including three teenagers.
While the government maintains that approximately 5,000 personnel were deployed for the parade, sources suggest many of them had already been on duty for over 36 hours, raising serious concerns about preparedness and fatigue-induced lapses.
- With inputs from agencies
