NEW DELHI: The Karnataka government on Thursday submitted a scathing status report to the high court on the deadly stampede outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4. The tragic incident, which claimed 11 lives and left over 50 injured, unfolded during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebrations following their IPL title win. The report lays primary blame on RCB, its event management partner DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt. Ltd, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), accusing them of unilaterally organising the mass public event without securing legal permission or coordinating with city authorities.
Despite receiving no official go-ahead from the police who denied permission due to the organisers ’ failure to submit mandatory details like crowd size, logistics, and safety plans—RCB proceeded with promoting the parade through multiple viral social media posts, the report said. It further added that, a video featuring Virat Kohli and posts across RCB’s platforms invited fans to join a “Victory Parade” from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Stadium, leading hundreds of thousands to gather in central Bengaluru.
The report highlights deep procedural lapses, including the absence of loudspeaker permissions, no deployment of trained private security, no signage or public announcements.
Here are 10 key things in the report:
No legal permission for the victory parade
The report reveals that neither RCB nor its event management partner DNA Entertainment Networks submitted a formal application seeking permission for the victory parade or celebrations. "No applications in the prescribed formats were submitted to the licensing authority by the applicant/organiser," the report said.
Instead, only an informal letter of intimation was given to the police at 6:30 pm on 3 June 2025. As per the Licensing and Controlling of Assemblies and Processions Order , 2009, such events require a minimum seven-day advance application with detailed crowd estimates and logistical plans.
The report further stated, "In the absence of such information... it was not possible for the licence-granting authority to consider the request positively."
Social media posts fuelled mass gathering
RCB's social media posts on 4 June 2025 announcing a victory parade triggered a massive public turnout. A 7:01 am post declared free entry to celebrations, followed by a video from Virat Kohli at 8:55 am. A later post at 3:14 pm introduced, for the first time, the requirement for free passes. The report notes these posts "garnered immense engagement online," with one post drawing over 1.7 million views. By then, more than 3,00,000 people had begun gathering. "There had been no information regarding the disbursement of passes... implying that the event was open to all," the report highlights.
"RCB shared a video clip of Mr. Virat Kohli, a prominent player of the RCB team, on RCB's official handle @ Rcbtweets on X, in which he stated that the team intended to celebrate this victory with the people of Bengaluru city and RCB fans on 04.06.2025 in Bengaluru," the report said.
"This post mentioned, for the first and only time, that free passes (limited entry) were available on shop.royalchallengers.com, and until this point, there had been no information regarding the disbursement of passes, implying that the event was open to all based on RCB's prior posts," it added.
Crowd size far exceeded stadium capacity
The stadium, which can hold approximately 35,000 people, saw a turnout that exceeded 3,00,000, according to the report. The crowd included those lining a 14-km route from HAL Airport to Taj West End, hoping to see the players. The report noted, "This impromptu gathering... necessitated the urgent deployment of large numbers of police personnel."
“This situation arose due to a lack of proper planning by the Organisers and the failure to provide. the necessary information in advance to the concerned authorities,” it said.
Late and muddled messaging sparked panic
At 3:14 pm—just before the event start—RCB belatedly informed the public that only limited free passes would be honoured. Until then, public posts suggested open entry. The report says this "created confusion, frustration, and chaos" as hundreds of thousands of people, already gathered, realised they might be turned away.
"Such a crowd concentrated at the entry gates of the stadium following posts made by the RCB... stating that entry... would be free for all," it obserrved.
“As restless crowds gathered at the gates, the situation deteriorated further when the organisers/RCB/DNA/KSCA responsible for gate management failed to open the gates at the appropriate time and in an unsynchronised manner,” the report said.
Gate management failure led to stampede
Private security staff deployed by RCB and its partners had no instructions on gate timings or access control. Gates were not opened until after 3:10 pm, causing agitation. Frustrated crowds broke open gates numbered 1, 2, and 21. Sporadic stampedes were reported at multiple gates from 3:30 pm onwards. "This prompted the crowd to force their way into the stadium... due to complete mismanagement by the organisers," the report added.
“In every instance mentioned, the police personnel at and around the gates responded immediately and effectively to regain control and deescalate the situation. During this evolving emergency, 7 Officers and personnel (1 DCP, 1 PSI, 1 ASI, 1 WPC, and 3 PCs) from the City Police sustained injuries,” it said.
Parade continued despite security risks
Despite the chaos, the state decided to allow a shortened version of the victory celebrations. "The event commenced at around 5:30 p.m., and a measured response was taken by curtailing the duration," the report explains. It justifies this by citing potential for riots if the celebration were abruptly cancelled: "The risk of large-scale rioting... necessitated this careful balancing approach, prioritizing overall public safety."
“It is common and known in Law & Order situations, that cancellation of anticipated events can incite the crowd tremendously and lead to widespread mob violence, as has been seen in several events were such decisions have been taken," it said.
State responded with inquiries, arrests and suspensions
The government swiftly announced a magisterial inquiry headed by Deputy Commissioner Jagadish G on 4 June. The court also took suo motu cognisance of the incident. On 5 June, the state suspended five senior police officers, including the Police Commissioner, and set up a one-man commission led by retired Justice Michael Cunha . "Three FIRs were registered... and four individuals arrested," the report states.
Traffic and crowd control plans were in place
While event organisers failed to inform the police in time, the traffic police had pre-emptively prepared for crowd surges. A total of 654 traffic personnel were deployed, with nine diversion points and 125 barricades in the Central Business District. "All Traffic Police Inspectors... informed the respective school authorities in writing to close schools by 12:00 PM," the report notes. BMTC ‘Sarathi’ teams, E-Path ambulances, and FM alerts were also used.
Emergency response handled well
Police anticipated large gatherings and implemented a citywide deployment plan, dividing areas into eight sectors. A total of 2,548 police personnel—including 13 DCPs and 31 ACPs—were deployed. Emergency units included two ambulances, a fire tender, and a command and control vehicle. Post-incident, the force managed smooth evacuation: "Despite thousands of fans... the evacuation process was executed smoothly without a single incident."
Organisers failed to provide medical facilities
The report clearly places responsibility for medical arrangements on RCB and its partners. Their event ticket conditions mentioned on-site first aid, but no actual setup was visible. "There was absolutely no arrangements made by the organiser in this regard," the report says. In contrast, the government stepped in post-incident, ensuring free treatment at all hospitals and issuing Rs. 25 lakh cheques to the families of the deceased.
Together, these findings expose systemic lapses in planning and coordination by private organisers and underline the critical role of timely permissions, law enforcement cooperation, and public communication in large-scale events.
Despite receiving no official go-ahead from the police who denied permission due to the organisers ’ failure to submit mandatory details like crowd size, logistics, and safety plans—RCB proceeded with promoting the parade through multiple viral social media posts, the report said. It further added that, a video featuring Virat Kohli and posts across RCB’s platforms invited fans to join a “Victory Parade” from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Stadium, leading hundreds of thousands to gather in central Bengaluru.
The report highlights deep procedural lapses, including the absence of loudspeaker permissions, no deployment of trained private security, no signage or public announcements.
Here are 10 key things in the report:
No legal permission for the victory parade
The report reveals that neither RCB nor its event management partner DNA Entertainment Networks submitted a formal application seeking permission for the victory parade or celebrations. "No applications in the prescribed formats were submitted to the licensing authority by the applicant/organiser," the report said.
Instead, only an informal letter of intimation was given to the police at 6:30 pm on 3 June 2025. As per the Licensing and Controlling of Assemblies and Processions Order , 2009, such events require a minimum seven-day advance application with detailed crowd estimates and logistical plans.
The report further stated, "In the absence of such information... it was not possible for the licence-granting authority to consider the request positively."
Social media posts fuelled mass gathering
RCB's social media posts on 4 June 2025 announcing a victory parade triggered a massive public turnout. A 7:01 am post declared free entry to celebrations, followed by a video from Virat Kohli at 8:55 am. A later post at 3:14 pm introduced, for the first time, the requirement for free passes. The report notes these posts "garnered immense engagement online," with one post drawing over 1.7 million views. By then, more than 3,00,000 people had begun gathering. "There had been no information regarding the disbursement of passes... implying that the event was open to all," the report highlights.
"RCB shared a video clip of Mr. Virat Kohli, a prominent player of the RCB team, on RCB's official handle @ Rcbtweets on X, in which he stated that the team intended to celebrate this victory with the people of Bengaluru city and RCB fans on 04.06.2025 in Bengaluru," the report said.
"This post mentioned, for the first and only time, that free passes (limited entry) were available on shop.royalchallengers.com, and until this point, there had been no information regarding the disbursement of passes, implying that the event was open to all based on RCB's prior posts," it added.
Crowd size far exceeded stadium capacity
The stadium, which can hold approximately 35,000 people, saw a turnout that exceeded 3,00,000, according to the report. The crowd included those lining a 14-km route from HAL Airport to Taj West End, hoping to see the players. The report noted, "This impromptu gathering... necessitated the urgent deployment of large numbers of police personnel."
“This situation arose due to a lack of proper planning by the Organisers and the failure to provide. the necessary information in advance to the concerned authorities,” it said.
Late and muddled messaging sparked panic
At 3:14 pm—just before the event start—RCB belatedly informed the public that only limited free passes would be honoured. Until then, public posts suggested open entry. The report says this "created confusion, frustration, and chaos" as hundreds of thousands of people, already gathered, realised they might be turned away.
"Such a crowd concentrated at the entry gates of the stadium following posts made by the RCB... stating that entry... would be free for all," it obserrved.
“As restless crowds gathered at the gates, the situation deteriorated further when the organisers/RCB/DNA/KSCA responsible for gate management failed to open the gates at the appropriate time and in an unsynchronised manner,” the report said.
Gate management failure led to stampede
Private security staff deployed by RCB and its partners had no instructions on gate timings or access control. Gates were not opened until after 3:10 pm, causing agitation. Frustrated crowds broke open gates numbered 1, 2, and 21. Sporadic stampedes were reported at multiple gates from 3:30 pm onwards. "This prompted the crowd to force their way into the stadium... due to complete mismanagement by the organisers," the report added.
“In every instance mentioned, the police personnel at and around the gates responded immediately and effectively to regain control and deescalate the situation. During this evolving emergency, 7 Officers and personnel (1 DCP, 1 PSI, 1 ASI, 1 WPC, and 3 PCs) from the City Police sustained injuries,” it said.
Parade continued despite security risks
Despite the chaos, the state decided to allow a shortened version of the victory celebrations. "The event commenced at around 5:30 p.m., and a measured response was taken by curtailing the duration," the report explains. It justifies this by citing potential for riots if the celebration were abruptly cancelled: "The risk of large-scale rioting... necessitated this careful balancing approach, prioritizing overall public safety."
“It is common and known in Law & Order situations, that cancellation of anticipated events can incite the crowd tremendously and lead to widespread mob violence, as has been seen in several events were such decisions have been taken," it said.
State responded with inquiries, arrests and suspensions
The government swiftly announced a magisterial inquiry headed by Deputy Commissioner Jagadish G on 4 June. The court also took suo motu cognisance of the incident. On 5 June, the state suspended five senior police officers, including the Police Commissioner, and set up a one-man commission led by retired Justice Michael Cunha . "Three FIRs were registered... and four individuals arrested," the report states.
Traffic and crowd control plans were in place
While event organisers failed to inform the police in time, the traffic police had pre-emptively prepared for crowd surges. A total of 654 traffic personnel were deployed, with nine diversion points and 125 barricades in the Central Business District. "All Traffic Police Inspectors... informed the respective school authorities in writing to close schools by 12:00 PM," the report notes. BMTC ‘Sarathi’ teams, E-Path ambulances, and FM alerts were also used.
Emergency response handled well
Police anticipated large gatherings and implemented a citywide deployment plan, dividing areas into eight sectors. A total of 2,548 police personnel—including 13 DCPs and 31 ACPs—were deployed. Emergency units included two ambulances, a fire tender, and a command and control vehicle. Post-incident, the force managed smooth evacuation: "Despite thousands of fans... the evacuation process was executed smoothly without a single incident."
Organisers failed to provide medical facilities
The report clearly places responsibility for medical arrangements on RCB and its partners. Their event ticket conditions mentioned on-site first aid, but no actual setup was visible. "There was absolutely no arrangements made by the organiser in this regard," the report says. In contrast, the government stepped in post-incident, ensuring free treatment at all hospitals and issuing Rs. 25 lakh cheques to the families of the deceased.
Together, these findings expose systemic lapses in planning and coordination by private organisers and underline the critical role of timely permissions, law enforcement cooperation, and public communication in large-scale events.
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