Chinnaswamy Stadium declared unsafe; officials urge shifting major events to safer, better-equipped venues meeting international safety standards.
Highlights:
- Chinnaswamy Stadium declared unsafe after deadly RCB parade stampede.
- Report cites major structural flaws and lack of crowd control.
- Commission recommends relocating big events to safer venues.
What should have been a moment of celebration turned into a heartbreaking disaster in Bengaluru, India. On June 4, thousands of fans gathered outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) first-ever IPL title win. But the crowd quickly turned uncontrollable, leading to a deadly stampede that killed 11 people and injured over 50 others.
Government Declares Stadium Unsafe
Following the tragedy, a government-appointed commission led by Justice John Michael D’Cunha investigated the incident. The findings were serious: the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was officially declared “unsafe for large-scale events.” The report pointed out several flaws in the stadium’s structure and its complete lack of planning for such a massive crowd.
Poor Infrastructure and Safety Failures
The stadium’s entry and exit gates open directly onto a public sidewalk, with no designated space for crowds to gather safely. There were no proper holding areas, no clear paths for entry or exit, and no emergency arrangements in place. People had to queue along the road and footpath, creating dangerous congestion and chaos.
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A Call to Move Big Events Elsewhere
Due to these structural issues, the commission strongly recommended that future large-scale events be moved to more suitable venues. It emphasized the need for stadiums to meet international safety standards, with proper crowd control, public transport access, emergency exits, and enough parking and drop-off zones.
Organizers Blamed for Gross Negligence
The report didn’t hold back in assigning responsibility. It clearly stated that the event was unauthorized and poorly planned. The organizers, including RCB, DNA Networks, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), made a “reckless announcement” inviting fans to the stadium without proper arrangements. This triggered the crowd surge and ultimately, the fatal stampede.
Police and Officials Also Held Accountable
Not only were the event organizers blamed, but senior police officers were also found responsible for not stopping the unauthorized event. Some officials were accused of turning a blind eye, possibly due to collusion. Several of them, including high-ranking police commissioners, were removed from their positions following the report.
Legal Action on the Way
The Karnataka state government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has accepted the commission’s findings. Legal action is being planned against those responsible. Two top KSCA officials have already resigned, taking moral responsibility for the incident.
What’s Next for the Stadium?
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was supposed to host the upcoming Maharaja T20 tournament and several major matches of the Women’s ODI World Cup later this year. For now, the T20 games will be held behind closed doors. But the future of the stadium as a venue for big events remains uncertain.
A Tragic Reminder
This tragedy is a stark reminder that celebrations, no matter how grand, should never come at the cost of public safety. The loss of 11 lives has cast a long shadow over RCB’s historic win, and it has sparked serious conversations about crowd control, accountability, and urban event planning in India.
Source: Cricbuzz