Bengaluru: Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy stated on Wednesday that the Congress government in Karnataka must take full responsibility for the tragic stampede that occurred during the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) victory celebrations. He attributed the incident to inadequate planning and a “complete failure” to implement necessary precautionary measures.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that the stampede, which took place near Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals and left 33 others injured. The stampede occurred during a special felicitation ceremony organized by the Karnataka State Cricket Academy (KSCA) to honor RCB players for their historic IPL victory, which ended an 18-year wait for the franchise.
Kumaraswamy expressed his deep shock over the incident, stating, “It is extremely painful to witness the loss of innocent lives even before the celebrations could commence. The primary cause of this tragic event is the lack of proper planning and a complete failure to take precautionary measures. The state government, led by the Indian National Congress, must take full responsibility for this disaster.”
He urged the state government to promptly reach out to support the families of the deceased and ensure that those injured receive the best possible medical care.
“It is my heartfelt concern that the cricket fans who gathered near the stadium and Vidhana Soudha to partake in the celebrations should return home safely, without panic or distress. The police must implement emergency measures to assist the public in this regard,” he added.
