RCB's historic win in IPL 2025: Stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB's victory rally, 7 people die
What should have been a day of unbridled joy for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans turned into a somber one, as a stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed seven lives and left several others injured. The incident occurred during RCB’s victory procession following their maiden IPL title win, which ended an 18-year-long wait.
June 3, 2025, will go down in history as an unforgettable date for RCB and cricket fans across the country. After years of heartbreak and near misses, RCB finally clinched the IPL trophy. The franchise, which had reached the finals three times before without a win, saw its star player Virat Kohli lifting the coveted trophy — a moment eagerly awaited by millions of fans for nearly two decades. To celebrate the historic win, a victory procession was planned in Bengaluru. Initially, RCB’s players were to be taken on an open-deck bus through the city. However, due to severe traffic congestion and safety concerns, the plan was scrapped at the last moment. Instead, the players were transported in a regular RCB team bus.
Despite the change, thousands of fans gathered outside Chinnaswamy Stadium to catch a glimpse of their heroes. Unfortunately, the massive crowd quickly became difficult to manage, leading to a stampede. Police attempted to control the situation with a mild lathi charge, but chaos had already set in. Reports confirm that 15 to 20 people were injured in the melee, and tragically, seven people lost their lives. Some enthusiastic fans even climbed nearby trees to get a better view of the players. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who was also present at the event, promptly ensured that the injured were admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Authorities have expressed concern that the death toll may rise, as several of the injured remain in critical condition. An investigation into the incident is underway, and questions are being raised about the crowd management and safety protocols in place for such a high-profile event. While RCB’s historic win brought joy and pride to the city, the tragic events that followed have cast a shadow over the celebrations. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for better planning and public safety measures during large-scale public events.