RCB's IPL Triumph Shadowed by Bengaluru Stampede
- RCB clinched their maiden IPL title with a six-run win over Punjab Kings, sparking massive celebrations in Bengaluru.
- Virat Kohli and skipper Rajat Patidar addressed an emotional crowd at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, thanking fans for 18 years of support.
- Celebrations turned tragic as a stampede outside the stadium reportedly left three dead and several injured, prompting the cancellation of the open-bus parade.
Bengaluru erupted in red and gold as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) celebrated their historic IPL 2025 title win at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday evening. The elation, however, was overshadowed by a tragic stampede outside the venue that reportedly claimed three lives and injured several others.
The celebrations followed RCB’s maiden IPL triumph, secured by a dramatic six-run win over Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad on June 3. Fans from across Karnataka gathered in massive numbers to catch a glimpse of their heroes and partake in the long-awaited victory revelry.
The M Chinnaswamy Stadium echoed with cheers as RCB’s star player Virat Kohli addressed the emotional crowd. "It’s no longer Ee Saala Cup Namde it’s Ee Saala Cup Namdu! We have done it together”, Kohli declared, lauding fans for their unwavering support through 18 seasons of highs and heartbreaks. Amid resounding chants of 'Kohli, Kohli', he welcomed skipper Rajat Patidar on stage with a heartfelt tribute: “He has led us to glory in his very first season. Give him the loudest cheer!”
Rajat Patidar responded in kind, addressing the audience with a traditional 'Namaskara Bengaluru', expressing gratitude to fans and sharing the team’s collective pride in bringing the trophy home.
However, the joy inside the stadium stood in stark contrast to the chaos unfolding outside. A stampede-like situation near the gates—attributed to overwhelming crowds and inadequate crowd controlled to the reported deaths of one woman and two men. Metro services near the stadium were suspended, and multiple injuries were reported. A child fainted due to congestion and was rushed to safety. Owing to the disorder, the much-anticipated open-bus victory parade was canceled.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, present at the stadium, acknowledged the situation and confirmed that over 5,000 personnel had been deployed for crowd management. “We can’t confirm final numbers yet. I’m on my way to the stadium", he told reporters.
Despite heavy rainfall, emotional tributes continued inside the stadium. Players performed a victory lap with the IPL trophy, and traditional felicitation followed Mysore Petas and cardamom garlands were presented to the team by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
As Bengaluru celebrated its sporting heroes, the day ended with both jubilation and grief. While the RCB team brought home the elusive trophy, the city now faces urgent questions on crowd safety and preparedness in large-scale public events.
