Bengaluru Stampede: 11 Dead; Govt to Form New SOP, HC Takes Cognisance
Following a tragic stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB's IPL victory celebrations that killed 11 and injured over 50, the Karnataka government will formulate a new SOP for mega events. The High Court has taken suo motu cognisance, seeking a report. A magisterial inquiry is ordered; CM Siddaramaiah cited overcrowding. Police registered Unnatural Death Cases, and a complaint has named the CM and Deputy CM over the incident.
Unpacked:
RCB's first-ever IPL victory generated massive excitement, leading over 2 lakh fans to flock to the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which only accommodates around 35,000. Many believed entry was free, and the victory parade was widely publicized, further swelling the crowds beyond the stadium’s capacity.
There were no widespread public warnings about potential overcrowding before the event. However, the unprecedented excitement and open celebrations made it likely that security and crowd management should have been a concern, especially given the stadium’s limited capacity compared to the anticipated turnout.
The Karnataka government has announced plans to develop a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing mega events, focusing on stricter crowd control, better coordination among agencies, and more effective deployment of security personnel to prevent overcrowding and ensure public safety.
Complaints naming the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister allege negligence and administrative lapses in crowd management and security arrangements. With both leaders closely involved in the event and a lack of adequate safety measures, some believe they bear responsibility for not ensuring effective preparation and response.