‘Free passes at Gate 7': The deadly rumour that allegedly killed 11 at Bengaluru stampede

Economic Times

a day ago

A celebration turned deadly in Bengaluru after chaos erupted outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium, leaving 11 fans dead and over 40 injured. Misinformation about free tickets near Gate 7, a cancelled parade, and poor crowd control led to a fatal crush. With over 2 lakh people present for RCB's IPL victory celebration, overwhelmed police and lack of coordination turned jubilation into tragedy. Families now mourn young lives lost, with the government promising compensation and an inquiry into the incident.
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Mismatch in plans, mixed signals
Police unable to manage crowd
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A crowd far beyond what was expected
Inside the chaos: Human stories of loss
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Lack of preparation, high human cost
RCB, leaders express grief
A deadly crush unfolded on Wednesday outside Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium as thousands gathered to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru 's historic IPL win. Eleven people died and more than 40 were injured after misinformation about free tickets near Gate No. 7 triggered panic, as reported by PTI. The gate, located far from the main entrance, drew crowds after word spread of free passes being handed out there. Within minutes, the situation spiralled."People completely lost control,' said Achimanya, a resident of Rajajinagar. 'Police asked us to take another route via Cubbon Park, but panic had set in by then. Amid unverified reports of a stampede, injuries and deaths, people ran in all directions — some towards Richmond Circle, others ended up near Anil Kumble Circle. It was a disaster.'The day began with confusion. At 11:56 am, the Bengaluru Traffic Police announced that there would be no victory parade, only a felicitation event at the stadium. But at 3:14 pm, RCB's official account posted on X: 'Victory Parade will be followed by celebrations at the Chinnaswamy stadium... Free passes available on shop.royalchallengers.com.'This contradictory messaging led thousands to converge around the stadium, many hoping to catch a glimpse of the players. Some believed free tickets were being handed out. Others had valid passes but found themselves caught in surging crowds.Gate 3 partially opened at around 4 pm. Crowds surged forward. In the scramble, some fell. Others tried scaling barriers. Ambulances struggled to enter the area. Around 5.30 pm, rain added to the confusion.Sinchana N, 25, said, 'As soon as the gate opened slightly, everyone pushed ahead. A glass panel broke and people got hurt. I was near Anil Kumble Circle and could avoid the worst only because I arrived late. Police were just pushing people around, and they weren't controlling the crowd in the real sense.'Another fan, Avinash S from RR Nagar, said, 'There was an ambulance with 40 injured people inside. I was lucky to get out in time. Even police were struggling to manage the crowd.'Police used mild lathicharge around Cubbon Park Circle at 6.30 pm to disperse the crowd, especially near Tonique bar. Soon after, Namma Metro halted stops at Cubbon Park and Dr B R Ambedkar stations due to the heavy footfall.Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the stadium holds around 35,000, but 2-3 lakh people had gathered. 'No one had expected that so many people would come. The match happened last evening and today this event was organised by the cricket association... Prima facie it looks like a stampede due to overcrowding. There are small gates. They have broken the gates also,' he said.Deputy CM DK Shivakumar apologised: 'This should not have happened and we never expected such a big crowd... Gates have been broken... We apologise for this incident... We want to know the facts and give a clear message…'Among the dead was 14-year-old Devyamshi, who had come with her mother, sister, and relatives. 'I lost my granddaughter,' said her grandmother outside Bowring Hospital's mortuary.Naveen B, who had taken leave from work to attend the event, said, 'If the roadshow had not been cancelled, fans could've been better dispersed... The planning was terrible. Police and the govt didn't prepare for such a huge turnout.'Eyewitness Mahesh described helping those who had fallen: 'We formed a human chain around those who were on the ground so that they could get up. A woman was given CPR and wheeled into an ambulance.'The Karnataka government has announced ₹10 lakh in compensation to each of the families of the deceased. An inquiry has also been ordered.According to police sources quoted by PTI, the crush began as people without tickets tried to force entry alongside valid pass holders. 'While those with valid tickets were allowed to enter the stadium for celebrations, many tried to squeeze in with those who had free passes and tickets. In that bid to get entry, some of them also started pushing each other,' an officer said.The KSCA and police are now facing questions about why entry gates were so small and why clearer coordination was not in place.Royal Challengers Bengaluru issued a statement: 'We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports... RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extends our heartfelt condolences to the affected families.'Virat Kohli reposted it, writing: 'At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted.'Anushka Sharma also reposted the statement.President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi all offered condolences.