RCB's Chinnaswamy Stadium deemed unsafe to host large-scale events: Report
The report urged that high-attendance events should instead be held at venues that are better designed for crowd safety. It recommended that any future stadium used for such events should meet international safety standards.According to ESPNcricinfo, the commission identified several major shortcomings in the stadium's infrastructure. Built in 1974, the Chinnaswamy lacks proper queuing and waiting areas separated from busy public roads. It does not have enough entry and exit gates to safely manage the large number of fans who attend matches. The report also said the stadium is poorly connected to public transport, making access difficult during large events. Importantly, there are no detailed emergency evacuation plans in place that match global safety guidelines. There is also limited space for parking or pick-up and drop-off zones, which adds to the chaos during major matches.The Karnataka government has approved the findings, paving the way for potential legal and disciplinary action against several key stakeholders. Those named in the report include RCB, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), event management firm DNA Entertainment, and senior officers from the Bengaluru Police.The report's implications are significant. The Chinnaswamy Stadium is currently scheduled to host marquee matches in the upcoming Women's World Cup, including the tournament opener and a semi-final, in September-November 2025. The M Chinnaswamy Stadium will also host the Women's Premier League and the Indian Premier League next year.The commission found that all involved parties proceeded with the June 4 event despite being fully aware of the challenges in managing crowd safety, especially with a government function taking place simultaneously at Vidhana Soudha, less than a kilometre away.Investigators also uncovered glaring lapses in policing. Only 79 personnel were deployed inside the stadium, with none stationed outside despite the expected turnout. No ambulances were present at the venue, and senior officials were slow to respond—the Joint Commissioner of Police reportedly arrived 30 minutes after the stampede began.The cabinet's approval now enables legal and departmental action against RCB, KSCA, and DNA Entertainment, as well as senior police officials already under investigation. Five officers, including the then Bengaluru Police Commissioner and two other IPS officers, had previously been suspended, and multiple FIRs have been filed citing negligence and culpable homicide.- EndsMust Watch
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