Report on Chinnaswamy Stadium submitted to Karnataka government; to be reviewed on July 17- Report

The inquiry into the fatal stampede at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium has progressed significantly with the submission of the official report by retired High Court judge Justice Michael D'Cunha.

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The report, which is in two volumes, was presented to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Vidhana Soudha on Friday, July 12.  

This report is the result of a thorough judicial investigation launched following the stampede that happened during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL winning celebrations.

More than a month has passed since the stampede, which turned a happy occasion into a tragedy.  A sizable crowd flocked to Chinnaswamy Stadium to join the squad in celebrating RCB's first IPL victory in eighteen years.

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The event was badly run, nevertheless.  Following a frenzy caused by social media marketing and information about free passes, an overwhelming number of supporters turned up.  At least 11 people were killed and 47 others were injured as the planned lavish celebration swiftly descended into turmoil.

Justice D’Cunha Presents Stampede Report to Karnataka Chief Minister

The Chief Minister acknowledged receipt of the report and noted that, while he has not yet had the opportunity to read it, it would be submitted for debate and evaluation at the upcoming cabinet meeting on July 17.

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Justice Cunha’s inquiry included site visits and interviews with eyewitnesses, police officials, members of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and government representatives. 

“Justice Michael Cunha has submitted the investigation report on the stampede. The report has been presented in two volumes. I haven’t been able to read the full report yet. The report will be presented in the cabinet meeting on the 17th,” News18 reported.

According to people acquainted with the investigation, the social media excitement and the free admission announcement are to blame for the unruly mob. It also criticizes the event's hasty execution, which was allegedly caused by pressure to conclude before certain players left for abroad obligations and took place only a day after RCB's victory.

Serious crowd management failures are highlighted in the report, including inadequate police-organizer cooperation, improper barricading, and unclear crowd flow regulations. The use of physical passes only, without a digital option, was one of the main problems noted; this resulted in lengthy, uncontrolled lines and exacerbated the general pandemonium.

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