Bengaluru stampede: authorities register UDR, face criticism over event management

On June 4, 2025, a tragic stampede occurred outside Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during celebrations for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Indian Premier League (IPL) victory. The incident resulted in at least 11 fatalities and over 50 injuries. Thousands of fans had gathered to celebrate the team's first-ever IPL title, leading to overcrowding and chaos at the stadium gates. Reports indicate that some fans attempted to climb over a parked car to gain entry, ultimately crushing the vehicle .
In response to the incident, the Cubbon Park Police registered an Unnatural Death Report (UDR), a preliminary step typically used for cases requiring further investigation. While the UDR allows for a post-mortem examination, it does not immediately initiate a full criminal investigation. This approach has sparked criticism, with some questioning the adequacy of the response given the scale of the tragedy.
The event's organizers, including the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and the event management company DNE, have faced scrutiny over alleged lapses in crowd management and safety protocols. Reports indicate that the absence of a clear entry plan, lack of police coordination, and rumors of free tickets contributed to the overcrowding and ensuing stampede .
Despite the government's directive for a magistrate inquiry, there are concerns that this may not lead to a comprehensive investigation or accountability. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah acknowledged the miscalculation in crowd expectations but emphasized that the government did not anticipate such a large turnout. He visited the injured at Bowring and Vydehi hospitals and confirmed that most casualties were young students. The government has committed to providing free treatment and transportation for those hospitalized .