​Trampled over: on the RCB cup celebration, stampede in Bengaluru

In less than 24 hours, ecstasy turned into despair. Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title, secured on Tuesday night in Ahmedabad, triggered unabated joy and raucous celebrations in Bengaluru and the rest of Karnataka. However, by Wednesday evening, a thick shroud of grief hung over the southern metropolis as a ghastly stampede in and around RCB’s home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, left 11 dead and more than 50 injured. The hallowed venue was hosting a felicitation event in honour of the victorious team while fans outside, desperate to get in, ended up as a heaving chaotic mass with many gasping for breath. Asphyxia was the primary cause of death besides injuries suffered in the stifling rush. Sport is often a tight pact between the performing athlete and the adoring fan; it triggers emotions, and in the case of the IPL, forges a connection between the franchise and a vast audience. RCB has always had a loyal fan base, and the IPL triumph was bound to attract followers running into lakhs, towards the Central Business District of M.G. Road, Brigade Road, Cubbon Road, Queens Road and KSCA Clubhouse Link Road. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah admitted that the crowd was beyond expectations.

However, to use a massive gathering as an explanation for an avoidable accident, is unacceptable. The multitude of fans near the Vidhana Soudha, the State legislature, from Wednesday morning should have compelled the authorities to tighten crowd control protocols. RCB had proclaimed that there would be an open-bus parade, but the police clarified that it would not happen. With no access to the Vidhana Soudha where the Chief Minister felicitated the players, the frenzied gathering rushed towards the stadium for a glimpse of stars such as Virat Kohli. The rumours about the gates being open to the public, and the contradictory messages about entry by invitation only, exacerbated the crisis. As the venue was packed, gates were closed but fans tried to force their way in. Be it the Karnataka State Cricket Association’s (KSCA) security or police personnel, staffing was inadequate and a fatal climax was inevitable. The State Government, the RCB management, the KSCA and the BCCI have expressed their condolences while some have indulged in finger-pointing. The Chief Minister has announced that the Bengaluru Police Commissioner and all officials responsible for the jurisdiction where the stadium is have been suspended, pending an inquiry. There will also be a judicial inquiry. However, the grim truth is that the fan, who drives the commerce of every sport, is the last priority for administrators. Clear communication, effective policing and proper advance notice for an event of this scale are all essential or else, such tragedies might recur periodically.