RCB 'prima facie responsible' for June 4 stampede; no police permission taken, says Tribunal

In a scathing observation, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) on Tuesday held Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) “prima facie responsible” for the tragic stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, which claimed the lives of 11 people. The crowd surge occurred during the team’s IPL 2025 title celebration parade, which had drawn thousands of fans to central Bengaluru. The CAT noted that RCB did not seek prior approval from law enforcement authorities before announcing the event. “The RCB did not take the appropriate permission or consent from the Police,” the Tribunal stated. The franchise’s sudden announcement on social media triggered a massive turnout, with estimates suggesting over three lakh people gathered near MG Road and Cubbon Road. “Therefore, prima facie it appears that the RCB is responsible for the gathering of about three to five lakh people,” the Tribunal observed, as quoted by PTI. The Tribunal was critical of the short notice given to the police, which left little time for crowd control or safety preparations. “Because of shortage of time on 04.06.2026, the Police was unable to do the appropriate arrangements. Sufficient time was not given to the Police. Suddenly, the RCB created the aforesaid type of nuisance without any prior permission.” In a particularly strong rebuke, the Tribunal remarked, “Police personnel are also human beings. They are neither 'God' (Bhagwan) nor Magician and also not having the magic powers like 'Alladdin ka Chirag' which was able to fulfil any wish only by rubbing a finger." RCB are yet to release an official response to the Tribunal’s comments. The fallout from the June 4 incident has already seen the resignation of Karnataka State Cricket Association secretary A. Shankar and treasurer Jayaram, with charges pressed against both RCB and KSCA.