Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited Bowring Hospital to meet those injured in the devastating stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory parade, as the death toll rose to at least seven. The Chief Minister's visit came alongside Karnataka BJP State President BY Vijayendra, who also toured the hospital to assess the condition of the wounded.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, en route to the hospital, responded sharply to BJP's criticism of the government's handling of the event. "They are there to allege, and we are there to protect... Yes, I am going to the hospital," Shivakumar stated. His remarks followed Vijayendra's forceful condemnation of the state administration.
"The state government must bear full responsibility for this tragedy," Vijayendra told reporters after visiting victims. "While the nation and Karnataka celebrated RCB's victory, the government's reckless haste in organising a victory rally without proper preparations led to this disaster. Their focus on publicity over planning has cost eleven lives, with several victims still in ICU. I spoke to survivors - there was no police presence inside, no ambulance facilities. The Chief Minister must order a judicial inquiry."
The tragedy unfolded near M Chinnaswamy Stadium during Wednesday's celebrations marking RCB's maiden IPL championship. PTI reports confirm casualties in the stampede-like situation, with hospital officials verifying at least four fatalities and several injuries. Thousands of fans had gathered at the stadium gates despite the risks, leading to a deadly crowd surge.
All casualties and injured persons were rushed to Bowring Hospital, where medical teams continue identification and treatment procedures. The incident has cast a pall over Bengaluru's historic sporting achievement, raising urgent questions about crowd management and event safety protocols during mass celebrations. Authorities face mounting pressure to investigate the lapses that turned a moment of triumph into a national tragedy.
