‘No celebration worth a human life’, says Rahul Gandhi on deadly Bengaluru stampede

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi urged the Karnataka government to provide all possible support to those affected by the stampede that occurred during Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s victory celebrations in Bengaluru.

His comments came as Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah confirmed the loss of 11 lives in the tragic stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium. Moreover, he said that 33 people have been injured.

Taking to X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, “The tragic stampede near Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations is heartbreaking. My condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Wishing a swift and full recovery to all those injured.”

“In this hour of grief, I stand with the people of Bengaluru. The Karnataka government must provide all possible support and relief to the affected families,” he added.

“This tragedy is a painful reminder: no celebration is worth a human life. Every safety protocol for public events must be reviewed and strictly enforced - lives must always come first,” the Congress leader said.

The incident occurred as a massive crowd had gathered to celebrate RCB’s maiden IPL title and catch a glimpse of the team.

Siddaramaiah, during a press briefing today, said that the crowd which gathered was beyond the expectations of the government. “I don't want to defend this incident. Our government will not do politics on this. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry and given 15 days' time. People even broke the gates of the stadium. There was a stampede. No one expected such a huge crowd. The stadium has a capacity of only 35,000 people, but 2-3 lakh people came,” he said.

He also announced Rs 10 lakh compensation to kin of deceased.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar appealed to the public to remain calm and not panic. "People who were supposed to witness RCB's IPL victory celebrations. The tragedy and death have brought deep pain and shock. My condolences to the deceased. My condolences to their family. Let there be pride, but not bigger than life. I appeal to everyone to please stay safe," he wrote on X.