Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed shock over the incident of a stampede during the RCB team's victory celebrations at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru today, saying that the pain of this tragedy has even erased the joy of victory.
"It is with great shock that we heard the news that several people lost their lives and others were seriously injured in a stampede during the RCB team's victory celebrations at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The pain of this tragedy has even erased the joy of victory," he stated in a post on X.
At least eleven people died and 33 others sustained injuries in the stampede outside the stadium on Wednesday, during a felicitation ceremony for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team after their maiden IPL title win after 18 years.
"May the souls of the deceased rest in peace, and may those injured and those undergoing treatment in the hospital recover as soon as possible. My condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones," he added.
The CM further said that the cricket team was not allowed to march on the victory parade to prevent such an unpleasant incident, which could occur due to such a stampede and the crowd becoming uncontrollable. "However, the accident occurred due to a stampede and a stampede that occurred due to the crowd of people gathered near the stadium," he further wrote.
Siddaramaiah also appealed to the public to "understand that life is more important than love and affection, and to give safety first priority."
CM Siddaramaiah Addresses Press Conference
Later in the day, Siddaramaiah addressed a press conference where he revealed that nearly two-three lakh people turned up at the stadium which had a capacity for just 35,000 people. He also announced Rs 10 lakh compensation to kin of deceased.
He went on to cite the Maha Kumbh stampede, but rejected political blame games, saying "I don't want to defend this incident. Stampede happened even during Kumbh Mela...Our government will not do politics on this. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry and given 15 days' time. People even broke the gates of the stadium. There was a stampede. No one expected such a huge crowd. The stadium has a capacity of only 35,000 people, but 2-3 lakh people came."
The event was organised by the Karnataka State Cricket Association, and drew an overwhelming crowd, with fans climbing on trees, buses, and cars, just to catch a glimpse of the team.