'Stadium Capacity Is 35,000, But 2-3 Lakh Turned Up': Siddaramaiah On What Led To Bengaluru Stampede
CM Siddaramaiah announced Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the kin of those deceased, and ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident of stampede at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
As many as eleven people died and 33 others were injured in a stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, where a massive crowd gathered to participate in the victory celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Hours after the tragic incident, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed grief and said that around two-three lakh people had turned up at the stadium, whereas its actual capacity is just 35,000, as he explained what might have led to the stampede.
The CM also announced Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the kin of those deceased, and ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. "Action will be taken if anyone is found wrong," he added.
"I don't want to defend this incident. 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," CM Siddaramaiah said.
He further clarified that the event was organised by Karnataka cricket association, and confirmed the death toll and injuries.
"The cricket association had organised a programme for the victory celebration (at the stadium), there was also a programme from the government (Vidhana Soudha). At the Chinnaswamy Stadium, a big tragedy happened. Due to the stampede, 11 people have died and 33 have suffered injuries," Siddaramaiah said.
Siddaramaiah's Kumbh Stampede Reference
During the press conference, Siddaramaiah also referenced the Kumbh Mela stampede that took place earlier this year, but clarified he wasn't defending the stampede in Bengaluru.
"These kind of many stampedes have occurred. Even worse ones have happened. Using that I am not defending... it happened ... in Kumbh Mela also...in Kumbh Mela about 50-60 people died," the CM said.
Siddaramaiah also visited the Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital and Vydehi Super Speciality Hospital, following which he addressed a press conference, where he said the state government will even provide free treatment for the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as "absolutely heartrending". "The mishap in Bengaluru is absolutely heartrending. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those who are injured have a speedy recovery: PM Narendra Modi," PMO stated on X.
The event was organised to felicitate RCB, who won their maiden title with a six-run victory over Punjab Kings in the IPL final at Ahmedabad on Tuesday.
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