Bengaluru Stampede: Case Filed Against RCB, KSCA for Culpable Homicide, Criminal Negligence
In a major development following the tragic stampede that claimed 11 lives, the Bengaluru police have registered a criminal case against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) management, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and event management firm DNA Networks. The FIR holds the organizers responsible for alleged criminal negligence that led to the deadly crush outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday.
The case was registered suo motu (on its own motion) by the Cubbon Park Police on Thursday evening, confirmed Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Central, Shekar H Tekkannavar. He stated that based on a preliminary inquiry, gross negligence in crowd management and a lack of precautionary measures were evident.
The FIR has been filed under several stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These include Section 105 for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, Section 125(12) for acts endangering the life or personal safety of others, Section 142 for being a member of an unlawful assembly, Section 121 for abetment of an offence, and Section 190, which pertains to the liability of members of an unlawful assembly.
The tragedy occurred on Wednesday during a felicitation event planned for the RCB team to celebrate their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title win. An unexpectedly massive crowd, estimated to be over two lakh people, converged on the stadium, which has a capacity of only around 35,000. The overwhelming numbers led to chaos at the entry gates, resulting in the fatal stampede.
This police action comes alongside a magisterial inquiry ordered by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to investigate the lapses that caused the disaster. The government has already announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of each of the deceased.
RCB, in a statement on Thursday, had also announced a financial support of ₹10 lakh to each of the victims’ families and established a fund named ‘RCB Cares’ to assist the nearly 50 people who were injured.
Initial reports and official statements have pointed to a significant mismatch between the expected crowd and the arrangements made. The police have noted that despite the event being for pass-holders, the public announcement led to an uncontrollable gathering, and the organizers allegedly failed to implement adequate safety protocols, leading directly to the tragic loss of life.
