Virat Kohli said he was “at a loss for words” and “absolutely gutted” over the loss of lives and injuries caused by a stampede outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL 2025 title celebrations on Wednesday (June 4).
The tragedy struck as lakhs of fans gathered outside the stadium to celebrate RCB’s historic maiden IPL victory. At least 11 people lost their lives and more than 30 were injured in the stampede that occurred as crowds surged to catch a glimpse of the team.
Kohli posted RCB’s official statement on Instagram Stories, adding a heartfelt message of his own. “At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted,” Kohli wrote, reacting to the tragedy.
RCB issues statement
In an official statement, RCB expressed profound anguish at the unfortunate events linked to large public gatherings ahead of the team’s arrival in the city. The statement read, “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.”
RCB emphasised the paramount importance of safety, stating, “The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us.” The franchise also extended “heartfelt condolences to the affected families” mourning the tragic loss of lives.
RCB victory celebration turns tragic: 11 dead in stampede
The jubilation over Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL title turned into a tragedy as a stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium led to the deaths of 11 people and injuries to 33 others. Thousands of fans had gathered to catch a glimpse of the team during a planned victory celebration.
The area around the stadium saw massive crowds, with young fans climbing trees, poles, and walls to gain entry. A festive atmosphere quickly turned chaotic as the crowd surged, triggering a deadly stampede.
Scenes of chaos: Witnesses describe the horror
Scattered shoes, sportswear, and personal belongings marked the scene of the tragedy. Eyewitnesses described suffocating conditions and a sudden surge that left dozens crushed.
One eyewitness said that people continued to push forward despite warnings from those at the front to stop crowding.
“I saw many girls had fallen down, some fell on me. I got some injuries on my ribs. Thankfully there is no dislocation, I have some muscle pain,” he said.
Another witness recounted that 30 to 40 people fell at once due to the crowd surge, but the flow of people from behind didn’t stop. “Three to four people died right in front of my eyes,” he said.
“At 3 pm we were asked to come here at gate number 7, but no one was allowed inside the stadium till 5.20 pm. There was a small opening, what else will happen? 300-400 were there at this gate …it was suffocating and it is great that I’m alive,” he said.
“600-700 people broke open the gates and tried to enter at once. That’s when the stampede happened,” another witness said. Another recalled: “I saw many girls had fallen down, some fell on me. I got injuries on my ribs. Thankfully, there’s no dislocation.”
A grieving father who lost his 22-year-old son, a student, said: “Because of your carelessness you took my son’s life today….allow me to take my son’s body along with me today. I have lost my only son, who was 22 year old. Because of your attitude, my son has become a dead body on the streets today. He had come here without telling me.”
Inquiry ordered, Government announces compensation
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called the incident a major tragedy and announced ₹10 lakh compensation for each victim’s family and free treatment for the injured.
“A major tragedy occurred during the victory celebrations. It happened near the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The government has announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the deceased. The government will provide free treatment to the injured,” the CM said.
“I don’t want to defend this incident. Our government will not do politics on this. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry and given 15 days’ time. People even broke the gates of the stadium. There was a stampede. No one expected such a huge crowd.
The stadium has a capacity of only 35,000 people, but 2-3 lakh people came,” Siddaramaiah said.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said, “I should compliment my Police officers…morning also, they wanted to have a procession, they wanted to bring a vehicle from the airport itself…Police guided us not to…that’s why I rushed to the airport and ensured nothing went wrong…in Vidhana Soudha, also we were very cautious…,” DK Shivakumar said.
“We never expected such an incident to happen. No political party or official wanted this. They did their best, but there was an uncontrollable crowd,” he added.
The Karnataka Deputy CM also announced postponing all programs except the cabinet meeting on June 5.
“Tomorrow, except the cabinet meeting, all programmes have been postponed. No celebrations, including the World Environment Day…,” Shivakumar said.
Shivakumar further stated, “The team has extended their condolences…I went to the team immediately and gave them direction that this programme should be stopped within 10 minutes… the team agreed and within 5 minutes, they stopped the programme…we sent a lot of Police teams with them since we didn’t want any incident to happen…”
Deputy CM Shivakumar stated, “The team has extended their condolences…I went to the team immediately and gave them direction that this programme should be stopped within 10 minutes… the team agreed and within 5 minutes, they stopped the programme…we sent a lot of Police teams with them since we didn’t want any incident to happen.”
President, PM Modi, cricket icons mourn loss
President Droupadi Murmu called the incident “shocking and heartbreaking,” while cricket legends also expressed condolences.
“The loss of lives in the tragic happening at a stadium in Bengaluru is shocking and heartbreaking. My condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Murmu said.
In a social media post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the situation was ‘absolutely heartrending’ and that he was praying for the people injured to have a fast recovery. “The mishap in Bengaluru is absolutely heartrending. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those who are injured have a speedy recovery,” said PM Modi in his post on the social media platform X.
Sachin 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.”
“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 said.
Governor seeks accountability
Karnataka Governor Thawaar Chand Gehlot urged a thorough investigation. “Such incidents must not be repeated,” he warned.
The government has since postponed all events on June 5, barring the cabinet meeting, as the state grapples with the aftermath of a celebration that turned into a catastrophe.
(with inputs from Agencies)