They indicated that the actual event management and crowd control tasks fell to the RCB franchise and its event partner, DNA Entertainment Networks. The letter provided by the state association to local government officials confirms this.
After the tragic stampede outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, which claimed 11 lives and injured many more, an important letter surfaced revealing that the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) had sought approval from the Karnataka state government for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s IPL 2025 victory celebrations.
The letter, dated June 3 and submitted to the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), notes KSCA’s role in arranging approvals for the felicitation event at the Vidhana Soudha.
RCB’s first IPL title triumph sparked incredible excitement among fans, resulting in a massive public celebration.
While the official felicitation event at the Vidhana Soudha went off without a hitch, chaos ensued outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium, as lakhs of people gathered following the franchise’s social media invitation. What was supposed to be a celebratory occasion turned into a tragic tragedy, killing 11 people and injuring many more.
Following the rush, the KSCA faced criticism, with a FIR (first information report) filed against its top officials, including President Raghuram Bhat, Secretary A Shankar, and Treasurer E.S. Jairam. However, in a case filed in the Karnataka High Court, the KSCA stated that their function was exclusively confined to extending infrastructure and enabling government permits.
“On behalf of M/s DNA Entertainment Networks Private Limited, KSCA requests to inform you that following the TATA IPL 2025 Finals on June 3, 2025, if Royal Challengers Bengaluru wins the IPL 2025 title, M/s DNA Entertainment Networks Private Limited will plan a felicitation ceremony at the Vidhana Soudha Grand Steps.
“KSCA requests that M/s DNA Entertainment Networks Private Limited be allowed to make the necessary arrangements at the Vidhana Soudha Grand Steps.” KSCA facilitates government clearances. The management of gates is the duty of the RCB Franchise / DNA, who work under the supervision of the police. The police registered the FIR under great pressure and compelling circumstances, without conducting any preliminary investigations, and named the petitioner/members of the KSCA as accused,” the letter stated.
Despite the formal proceedings at the Vidhana Soudha being well-regulated, the other celebration outside the stadium lacked control. The cricketing body has since stated that it had no role in organising or managing crowd control outside the stadium. Following an urgent hearing, the Karnataka High Court has restrained the police from taking action against KSCA officials until the next hearing on June 16. The court has also asked the state government to file a detailed status report by June 10, having taken suo motu (at its own will) notice of the stampede.
India
