The Karnataka Government on Wednesday, June 11, put all the blame on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 04 after their team RCB clinched their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) trophy by beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 03. One day later, an open bus parade was organized for Rajat Patidar & Co. at 3:30 PM, which was supposed to culminate at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The victory parade was supposed to be RCB's way of thanking their loyal supporters of 18 years for their unwavering love and support. However, the event turned into tragedy as 11 people were killed in the stampede, which saw more than 2.5 lakh people gather outside the stadium. Since then, the Police have arrested RCB Marketing Head Nikhil Sosale, who since then has challenged the decision. Currently, the matter is being heard by a solo judge bench of Justice SR Krishna Kumar.
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Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty, appearing for the state, has blamed RCB, making a series of allegations against RCB and its partners. The Government also named BCCI as one of the parties for the incident, arguing that there was an agreement between RCB and BCCI regarding security, gate, and ticket sales for the event.
“It was as if they invited the whole world,” said the Advocate General, pointing to multiple social media posts by RCB encouraging all fans to attend the victory parade without clarifying ticketing or entry protocols. He said that while the stadium could accommodate only 33,000 people, nearly 3.5 to 4 lakh people gathered at the gates. “They posted saying all supporters are invited to cheer,” he said, adding that these actions led to large-scale confusion, injuries, and deaths.
No official permission was sought for the RCB event outside Chinnaswamy Stadium
The Advocate General further told the court that there was no official permission had been sought for the open bus parade or for the celebratory ceremony at the ground.
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“They weren't even seeking permission, they were giving information. They said ‘We shall make plans for the victory parade’. They had already decided that they would do it,” he said, referring to a communication received on June 3, just one hour before RCB’s final match began. He said the organizers violated the law by not applying for procession and event licenses at least seven days in advance.
He further added that the state received only an intimation letter from the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and not a formal request seeking permission for the event. “This is in complete violation of law,” he said, noting that various entertainment programs were also planned without approval.
The Advocate General also accused RCB of providing misleading information. “They have come to this court with unclean hands. They have tried to make it seem like it was a government function. It was not. It was an RCB private function,” he said.
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While initial reports surfaced that the open bus parade and other celebratory functions were planned by DNA, RCB, and KSCA, the Karnataka Government denied any connection with the event and said it was RCB and BCCI who planned the event. The Advocate General further concluded by saying that the event was illegal and not planned properly.
