Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 4 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday condoled the loss of lives in a stampede near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL winning celebrations.
In a post on X, Siddaramaiah said, "It is with great shock that we heard the news that several people lost their lives and others were seriously injured in a stampede during the RCB team's victory celebrations at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The pain of this tragedy has even erased the joy of victory."
"May the souls of the deceased rest in peace and may those injured and those undergoing treatment in the hospital recover as soon as possible. My condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones," he added.
The Karnataka CM mentioned that the RCB team was not allowed to march in the victory parade in anticipation of an "unpleasant incident" that could occur due to stampede.
"However, the accident occurred due to a stampede after the crowd of people gathered near the stadium. I appeal to the public to understand that life is more important than love and affection, and to give safety first priority," Siddaramaiah said.
Earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident.
In a post on X, Kharge called on the authorities to immediately strengthen safety protocols for such events to prevent any future tragedy like this.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic stampede in Bengaluru during the celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2025 victory. The loss of precious lives and the injuries sustained by many in this unfortunate incident are profoundly distressing. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured," Kharge said.
He emphasised that the Congress Party stands in solidarity with the people of Bengaluru and commits to supporting all efforts to provide relief, medical help, and assistance to the families affected by the Karnataka government.
"The state government and relevant authorities must immediately review and strengthen safety protocols for such events to prevent any recurrence of such a tragedy. The joy of victory should never come at the cost of lives," Mallikarjun Kharge asserted.
Karnataka Legislative Council member, BK Hariprasad said that 11 people, including a women died in the stampede during the event.
"The incident in which more than 11 people, including women, died in a stampede during the RCB cricket team's victory parade in Bengaluru is extremely shocking and regrettable. The condition of some of the injured in the stampede is serious, and the government should take immediate action to provide them with appropriate treatment. My condolences to the deceased and my condolences to their families," Hariprasad said on X.