RCB Stampede: Accountability Questioned
On June 4, 2025, Bengaluru was struck by a tragic stampede during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL 2025 victory celebrations. The incident, which resulted in 11 deaths and 33 injuries, has ignited a fierce debate over political accountability and the management of large public events. Allegations that Bengaluru Police had denied permission for the parade but the event went ahead have added fuel to the controversy, highlighting a perceived double standard in how public figures are held accountable. This explainer delves into the incident, the accountability debate, and the broader implications of this tragedy.
The Bengaluru Stampede: A Joyous Event Turns Tragic
The stampede occurred during RCB’s victory parade, marking their first-ever IPL title win. What began as a celebratory event turned to tragedy when a crowd estimated at 2 to 3 lakh people gathered near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, far exceeding the venue’s capacity of 35,000. The huge turnout caused overcrowding and chaos, leading to a stampede-like situation. According to reports, the situation spiraled out of control, with police resorting to lathi-charges to manage the crowd. Inadequate crowd control, heavy rain around 5 p.m., and traffic congestion worsened the already dangerous situation, leading to 11 deaths and leaving 33 others injured, with one person in critical condition.
Allegations of Police Denial and Political Accountability Debate
A key point of controversy surrounding the stampede is the allegation that Bengaluru Police had denied permission for the victory parade. Senior Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta pointed out that despite this denial, the event proceeded, with authorities seemingly turning a blind eye to the risk.
Vikrant Gupta shows some SPINE. Drops a BOMBSHELL:
— The Analyzer (News Updates🗞️) (@Indian_Analyzer) June 4, 2025
"Bengaluru Police denied permission, yet #RCB wanted a Victory Parade.
~ I can't believe that People had died outside & players, CM, & others didn't knew about it"😳
Celebration despite knowing 💔pic.twitter.com/L6qwXfUGo8
This claim has sparked outrage, as many believe that the authorities should have done more to prevent the event from proceeding under such dangerous conditions.
The controversy has intensified due to the perceived double standards in accountability. The case draws a stark comparison to a previous incident in December 2024, when Telugu actor Allu Arjun faced legal consequences for a stampede during the Pushpa 2 release, which caused one death.
BIG NEWS 🚨 Allu Arjun trends After Chinnaswamy Stadium Stampede in Bengaluru during RCB's victory celebrations.
— Times Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND) June 4, 2025
Allu Arjun was arrested for the stampede that happened during Pushpa 2 release.
A 35-year-old woman had died during that stampede.
Many had blamed Allu Arjun for… pic.twitter.com/biARwd3eSF
Allu Arjun was arrested, and public outrage was directed toward him. In stark contrast, despite the higher death toll in Bengaluru, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar have faced no such legal repercussions. This has led to widespread criticism of the political figures involved, with calls for their resignation and accountability, especially after comments made by Siddaramaiah in defense of the tragedy.
Public Outrage and Media Reaction
Public reaction has been swift and overwhelming, with many accusing political figures of evading responsibility for the tragedy. Siddaramaiah’s remarks about not comparing the Bengaluru incident to other stampedes, such as the Kumbh Mela stampede, where 50-60 people died, have only added fuel to the fire. His comment, reported by The Economic Times, was seen as a way to deflect responsibility, leading to further calls for resignation from opposition parties like BJP. Opposition leaders, including Shehzad Poonawalla, have slammed Siddaramaiah for his lack of accountability, questioning why he is not held to the same standards as celebrities like Allu Arjun.
On social media, #AlluArjun trended alongside discussions of the Bengaluru stampede, with many expressing their frustration at the perceived hypocrisy in how different individuals are treated by the law. Public sentiment has been largely driven by the belief that rules are enforced selectively, with political figures often escaping consequences for their actions while others face the full brunt of the law.
Official Actions and Inquiries
In response to the tragedy, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announced a magisterial inquiry with a 15-day deadline to investigate the incident. The state government also promised Rs 10 lakh in compensation to the families of those who died in the stampede, and free medical treatment for the injured.
SIDDARAMAIAH : "I am not going to defend it by comparing them & saying that it happened here and there ... 50-60 people died in Kumbh. I did not criticise. If Congress criticises, then that is a different matter. Did I or the Karnataka Govt criticise?"pic.twitter.com/r0glN9uege
— Times Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND) June 4, 2025
While these actions have been taken to address the immediate needs of the victims, they have not been enough to quiet the calls for accountability and political resignations. Public demand for justice continues to grow, with many questioning whether the inquiry will result in real change or whether political figures will once again escape unscathed.
The Bengaluru stampede, which occurred during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations, has not only resulted in significant loss of life but has also ignited a fierce debate about accountability in India. The contrast between the treatment of celebrities like Allu Arjun and political figures like Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar underscores a broader issue of selective accountability. As investigations continue, the public’s frustration with political leaders evading responsibility is palpable, and the incident may have lasting implications for public safety and governance in the country. The call for stronger crowd management, more stringent safety measures, and greater political accountability remains louder than ever.
