Karnataka Leader of Opposition R. Ashok seeks NHRC’s intervention into stampede near Chinnaswamy stadium during RCB’s victory celebrations in Bengaluru

RCB’s victory celebrations in Bengaluru claimed 11 lives following a stampede near Chinnaswamy stadium. on June 4, 2025. | Photo Credit: Murali Kumar K

BENGALURU 

Describing the stampede that claimed 11 lives during the RCB’s victory celebrations in Bengaluru as the result of “gross negligence, mismanagement and blatant disregard for public safety by the state government and other agencies concerned”, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok has sought the intervention of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in the matter. 

In a letter to the NHRC Chairperson dated June 11, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok has appealed to the Commission to take suo motu cognizance of stampede and take up a comprehensive investigation into the roles and responsibilities of the government officials, agencies and private entities involved in organising the event. 

He termed the stampede that claimed 11 lives and left 75 persons injured as a “deeply disturbing incident of human rights violation” and said the Commission’s intervention is vital not only to secure justice for the affected families, but also to ensure that such incidents do not recur. 

He requested the Commission to ensure accountability and recommend necessary disciplinary or legal action against those found negligent. 

The Commission should issue guidelines and protocols and prevent recurrence of such incidents during large scale public events, with a focus on crowd control, safety norms and emergency preparedness, he said. 

He also appealed to the Commission to monitor the ongoing investigation to ensure transparency, fairness and justice for the victims and their families. 

Alleging that several critical lapses had been found with respect to organising the victory celebrations, Mr. Ashok said there was lack of crowd controlling mechanism while the event had been oversold. “The stadium that has a capacity of about 35,000 persons saw a massive and unmanageable influx of lakhs of people, allegedly due to misleading announcements regarding free passes,” he said. 

The reports had suggested that a serious shortfall in onground security personnel required to manage the crowd, he pointed out. 

The eye witnesses had reported a severe shortage of medical aid, ambulances and even basic facilities such drinking water, he said. 

Accusing the organisers of behaving in an irresponsible manner, he said the alleged misinformation by RCB, the event management firm DNA and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) contributed directly to the chaos. 

Listing the alleged lapses of the state government, he said: “Although FIRs have been filed and an inquiry Commission has been announced, the apparent lack of foresight and preparation by government agencies is deeply concerning.” 

Mr. Ashok said he would trust that the NHRC will uphold its mandate in safeguarding the human rights of citizens by taking appropriate measures with respect to the stampede episode in Bengaluru. 

Published - June 12, 2025 11:36 am IST