Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has addressed the tragic stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium during the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) victory celebrations, highlighting the overwhelming crowd that led to the mishap.
Speaking to the media, CM Siddaramaiah 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." He added that people had broken the gates of the stadium, causing a stampede that no one anticipated due to the unexpectedly huge crowd.
The stadium, which has a seating capacity of only 35,000 people, was flooded by an estimated 2 to 3 lakh spectators, far exceeding its limit. "No one expected such a huge crowd," the CM said, stressing the extraordinary scale of the gathering.
Regarding the government's role, Siddaramaiah clarified, "Karnataka government’s responsibility was to provide security; the rest was to be handled by the cricket association." He emphasized that the entire police force available in Bengaluru was deployed at the event.
“The incident should not have happened. We are with the victims and will ensure justice,” he added.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the magisterial inquiry will thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to the tragedy, promising accountability within 15 days. The stampede has raised serious concerns about crowd control and event management during large public gatherings in the city.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Home Minister G. Parameshwara were also present during the press briefing.
Speaking to the media, CM Siddaramaiah 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." He added that people had broken the gates of the stadium, causing a stampede that no one anticipated due to the unexpectedly huge crowd.
The stadium, which has a seating capacity of only 35,000 people, was flooded by an estimated 2 to 3 lakh spectators, far exceeding its limit. "No one expected such a huge crowd," the CM said, stressing the extraordinary scale of the gathering.
Regarding the government's role, Siddaramaiah clarified, "Karnataka government’s responsibility was to provide security; the rest was to be handled by the cricket association." He emphasized that the entire police force available in Bengaluru was deployed at the event.
“The incident should not have happened. We are with the victims and will ensure justice,” he added.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the magisterial inquiry will thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to the tragedy, promising accountability within 15 days. The stampede has raised serious concerns about crowd control and event management during large public gatherings in the city.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Home Minister G. Parameshwara were also present during the press briefing.
