Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans had waited 18 long years for this moment their team lifting the IPL trophy. Virat Kohli’s dream had finally come true, and the city was ready to erupt in joy. But what should have been a day of unbridled celebration turned into a nightmare, as a deadly stampede during the victory parade claimed 11 lives and left over 50 injured.
Thousands of ecstatic fans had gathered at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to cheer for their champions. Many held valid tickets for the event, but chaos erupted when overcrowding and mismanagement led to a crush near the stadium gates.
Eyewitnesses reported that police resorted to lathi-charge (batons) to control the surging crowd, exacerbating the panic.
RCB Fans
“We had tickets, we followed the rules but we were beaten, humiliated,” said Prashant Shetty, a postgraduate student, in an interview with NDTV. “This was supposed to be the best day of our lives. Instead, it’s a tragedy.”
- 3:30 PM: Crowds swelled beyond control, prompting authorities to shut all gates leaving even ticket-holders stranded outside.
- 4:30 PM: Police used force to disperse fans, triggering a stampede.
- 6:30 PM: The team left for their hotel, but chaos lingered, with traffic jams and distressed fans still outside.
While RCB’s victory marked a historic milestone, the day will now be remembered for unimaginable loss. Questions are being raised about:
- Poor crowd management
- Excessive police force
- Lack of emergency protocols
The IPL, a festival of cricket, has seen its first major tragedy one that could have been prevented.
Bengaluru’s joy has turned to grief. Families are mourning loved ones, injured fans are recovering in hospitals, and a nation is demanding answers. For RCB, this should have been their proudest moment. Instead, their long-awaited triumph is forever shadowed by sorrow.