RCB fans are trying to get the entrance to the M. Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengalur on Wednesday. The scene from outside one of the gates of the stadium. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar
On June 4, 2025, the tragedy of Bengalur intervened when 11 Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans (RCB) claimed the lives of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and left at least 47 hospitalized. What should be the moment of jubilation has changed to sadness. A master’s investigation was predictably ordered, but experience shows that little faith remains in such mechanisms. Rarely, these are remedial measures or liability, let alone an exemplary punishment that occurred.
One -sided decision
In the root of this calamity, the unilateral decision of the RCB leadership lies to announce the victory show through social media without advising the state government or police commissioner. As soon as the contribution on the social media has become a viral, thousands of fans have become a stadium and the area of Vishan Judah, which tried to settle the announcement of both futile and potentially more chaotic.
Cricket in India is more than just sport – it is religion, madness, passion. Cricket bodies such as BCCi, IPL Council for IPL Administration, State Association and Franchises such as RCBs have an extraordinary impact. RCB, worth $ 110 million and boast of 21 million Instagram followers, is the most popular franchise in IPL. BCCI earned 5,761 Crore in excess IPL income between 2023 and 24, which was 59% of the total income. This financial muscle is reflected in uncontrolled power. But does this mean that they work over public responsibility?
Remember that RCB is a franchise-commercial entity that will become based in Bengalur and owns United Spirits, a city society. It has a small organic connection with Karnataka except for its name and the presence of only two players from the state. How did this happen, how the state government became a part in the organization of the celebrations and why was the Judhan – the headquarters of the public administration – chosen as the venue of Vidhan – the headquarters of the public administration?
Strength and fandom
The fans naturally responded in a flock, and it is reported that the section from Vishan Juda to the KSCA-2 km stadium-corridor-by-sea of humanity. It is worrying to note that several leading government leaders reportedly brought their grandchildren to a photo-op with celebrities of RCB in such an unstable place. The symbolism of power and fandom merger at the cost of public security is deeply disturbing.
As for the police, their hands were tied. On the night of 3 – 4 June, RCB won its victory well after midnight and caused celebrations throughout the city. When the biscuits left and the crowds poured into the streets, the municipal police were already stretched to their limits. After a sleepless night, many staff probably returned home on June 4 in the morning and did not know about cooking a storm.
Police usually prepare a detailed “Bandobust” scheme for significant events – evaluation of crowd volumes, allocation of officer’s duties and crime prevention, law and order prevention planning. However, such planning takes time and coordination. The announcement of the RCB leadership all made it impossible. It is also said that on Sunday, June 8, the proposal was to organize a celebration, but it was rejected – perhaps in a hurry, perhaps in arrogance.
The RCB victory was really fought and deserved. This celebration, however, left the tragedy of deep scar-notes of memories of fans, but about the credibility of government and cricket offices. No amount of compensation can restore lost lives. And if the real responsibility is not forced, the cycle of tragedy and inactivity will continue.
(Author is a fans of cricket and former CEO and general Inspector of Police)
Published – 5 June 2025 06:54
