Promptly amended program: RCB reacts to Bengaluru stampede, condoles deaths

India Today

2 days ago

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) mourned the loss of lives in a stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, June 4. 11 people died and 47 were injured in the stampede, which occurred during RCB's IPL victory celebrations with fans — a day after the team ended its 18-year-long wait for the coveted T20 league title.advertisementIn a statement, RCB expressed its condolences over the loss of lives and said the event, involving players and members of the coaching staff, was amended immediately after the franchise was informed of the stampede outside the stadium."We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings across Bengaluru in anticipation of the team's arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of the utmost importance to us," RCB said in a statement.
"RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extends our heartfelt condolences to the affected families."Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our programme and followed the guidance and advice of the local administration," the statement added.KSCA ANNOUNCES RS 5 LAKH COMPENSATIONadvertisementMeanwhile, the KSCA, which is facing criticism over the organisation of the event, announced a compensation of ?5 lakh for each of the families of those who lost their lives in the stampede.The Karnataka government had denied permission for an open-top bus parade that was planned from the Vidhana Soudha to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium - a one-kilometre stretch - on Wednesday afternoon.Over two lakh fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the victorious RCB team with the IPL trophy at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which has a capacity of 35,000. Although entry was restricted via passes, supporters turned up in overwhelming numbers to join the celebrations.According to preliminary information shared with the government, a temporary slab placed over a drain near the stadium premises collapsed under the weight of people standing on it. The sudden collapse triggered panic, leading to a stampede that resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries."We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of life and the injuries sustained by individuals during this event. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this incident. We sincerely regret this tragedy and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families during this extremely difficult time," read a KSCA statement.advertisement"RCB and KSCA jointly announce Rs 25 lakh as compensation for the families of those who have lost their loved ones. We hope this gesture can offer some support and solace in their time of grief."We want to emphasise that this compensation is not intended to determine or replace the value of human life, but rather to serve as a gesture of support and solidarity during such challenging times," it added.BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, speaking to India Today, said the BCCI was not responsible for the event but acknowledged that there were lapses in its organisation.IPL chairman Arun Dhumal said the board was not even aware of who had organised the event.Before the fan interaction at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the victorious RCB team was felicitated by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Vidhana Soudha.Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar received the players at the airport on Wednesday afternoon.Must Watch
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