‘No Family Can Bear This Loss’: DK Shivakumar Breaks Down After Bengaluru Stampede Kills 11

Last Updated:June 05, 2025, 12:57 IST

Reflecting on the unexpected surge of people that led to the tragedy, Shivakumar said that no one expected such a crowd.

The Congress leader breaks down in first reaction after Bengaluru stampede. (ANI)

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar broke down while speaking to the media about the tragic stampede outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium that claimed 11 lives. Visibly shaken, Shivakumar described the heart-wrenching scenes he witnessed.

“I am worried about the children, I saw they were 15 years old. I’ve seen 10 dead bodies with my own eyes. No family can digest this loss," he said.

Reflecting on the unexpected surge of people that led to the tragedy, Shivakumar added, “No one expected such a crowd. After 18 years, I don’t know what was boiling in the youngsters—they all came. Some decision they wanted to come out in the open… all that is debatable. But things have happened."

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday offered an apology after 11 people were killed in a stampede near the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru following RCB victory celebrations.

Speaking to ANI, DK Shivakumar said, “This should not have happened and we never expected such a big crowd…The stadium’s capacity is 35,000, but more than 3 lakh people were there…Gates (of the stadium) have been broken…We apologise for this incident…We want to know the facts and give a clear message…"

He accused the BJP of politicising the incident. “BJP is doing politics…We are very sorry for the incident. We will work out a better solution in the future…"

The Congress leader also said that all government events scheduled for tomorrow have been postponed after the tragedy.

“…Tomorrow, except the cabinet meeting, all programmes have been postponed. No celebrations, including the World Environment Day…"

The Karnataka government announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased killed in the stampede.

Abhro Banerjee

Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ...Read More

Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ...

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