The Karnataka High Court on Thursday agreed to urgently hear a matter concerning the tragic stampede that occurred outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, resulting in the death of 11 people and injuries to at least 47 others.
The case was mentioned in the morning before a Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice V. Kameswar Rao and Justice C.M. Joshi. Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty appeared on behalf of the State and informed the Court that the government was actively responding to the situation.
“We are taking all steps. We will submit a report. I will get instructions. I will place what we have done — just on facts — what has happened. We are only assisting; there is no adversarial approach. We are as eager as any citizen of the State. If there is any suggestion, let them pass it on,” the Advocate General submitted.
The Court scheduled the matter to be heard later in the day at 2:30 PM.
Background of the Incident
The stampede occurred on Wednesday, June 4, when a large crowd gathered outside the stadium to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title win in 18 years. The team was scheduled to arrive at the stadium for a fan event to mark the historic victory.
Initial reports indicate that entry into the stadium was to be ticketed. However, a late announcement allegedly opened the gates for free public entry, leading to a sudden surge of people and resulting in the fatal stampede.
The tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage and mourning across the city. In response, the Karnataka government has ordered a magisterial inquiry to investigate the causes and lapses that led to the tragedy.
Further developments are expected following the High Court’s hearing in the matter this afternoon.
