'Stadium capacity 35,000, but 2-3 lakhs turned up': Siddaramaiah orders probe into stampede incident

He said the tragedy has overshadowed the joy of the long-awaited victory.

"I am deeply shocked to hear the news of the stampede during the RCB team's victory celebrations at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, in which many people lost their lives and some were seriously injured. The pain of this tragedy has also erased the joy of victory," the chief minister said in Kannada in a post on X.

"May the souls of the deceased rest in peace, and those injured and undergoing treatment in the hospital, recover as soon as possible. My condolences to the grieving families of those who lost their loved ones," he said, amid criticism by the opposition BJP for not being able to manage the crowds safely.

He also visited Bowring and Vaidehi hospitals in Bengaluru to meet those who were injured in the stampede.

During a press conference this evening, Siddaramaiah stated that the administration did not expect the tragedy, as the stadium can accommodate 35,000 people.

"But the number of people who turned up is estimated to be two-three lakhs. We assumed there would be as many people as the stadium would accommodate or a bit more, but not as many as had actually turned up," Siddaramaiah said.

He announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of those who were killed in the stampede, and free treatment for the injured.

"I have ordered a magisterial inquiry into this tragedy. Appropriate action will be taken against the guilty. Instructions have been given to submit the investigation report within 15 days," he said.

Stampede incident

The fatal stampede broke out as the crowd swelled and turned uncontrollable outside the stadium, which has a capacity of roughly 40,000 people.

Massive crowd outside Chinnaswamy Stadium to get a glimpse of RCB team. Photo: Screen-grab/X

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday welcomed the winning team at the airport, from where the players were guided by a massive crowd on road.

The team reached Vidhan Soudha, where the players were greeted.

Though the players were about to head to the Chinnaswamy Stadium for a ceremony, it is now not clear whether the programme will be held as per schedule.

RCB lift maiden IPL trophy

India's cricket icon Virat Kohli's wait for the maiden IPL trophy ended on Tuesday as Bengaluru scripted their first-ever title win in the cash-rich T20 tournament at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Kohli moved to tears on the ground as Bengaluru's wait for their maiden trophy ended in a moment which felt surreal for the franchise that had unsuccessfully played three finals in the past since IPL's inception in 2008.

Bengaluru defeated Punjab Kings in the final, defending 190-9, which they piled in their quota of 20 overs.