Key Points
- Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) holds Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) primarily responsible for the deadly stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
- Stampede during RCB’s IPL victory celebration on June 4, 2026, killed 11 and injured over 50
- RCB failed to obtain police permission or give prior notice before announcing the event on social media, leading to an uncontrollable crowd of 3–5 lakh
- CAT quashes suspension of senior IPS officer Vikash Kumar Vikash, finding no evidence of police negligence
Bengaluru: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has issued a landmark ruling holding Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prima facie responsible for the tragic stampede that occurred outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2026. The incident, which unfolded during celebrations for RCB’s first-ever IPL title, resulted in 11 deaths and over 50 injuries.
RCB’s Sudden Announcement Blamed for Chaos
The CAT’s strongly worded order highlights that RCB announced their victory celebrations on social media without seeking prior police permission or informing authorities. This last-minute publicity led to an overwhelming crowd of 3 to 5 lakh people converging on the stadium far exceeding its 35,000-seat capacity and leaving law enforcement with virtually no time to prepare.
“Suddenly, the RCB created the aforesaid type of nuisance without any prior permission,” the tribunal stated, adding that the police were already stretched thin by a simultaneous government event at Vidhana Soudha.
The tribunal emphasized that police cannot be expected to manage such massive gatherings at short notice, stating, “Police personnel are also human beings. They are neither ‘God (Bhagwan)’ nor magicians, and also do not have the magic powers like ‘Alladdin ka Chirag’ which was able to fulfil any wish only by rubbing a finger”.
No Evidence of Police Negligence: Suspensions Overturned
In the wake of the tragedy, the Karnataka government suspended several senior police officers, including IPS officer Vikash Kumar Vikash, Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda, and DCP Shekar H Tekkannavar, under disciplinary rules. However, the CAT found that these suspensions were “mechanical” and not based on convincing material or evidence of negligence.
The tribunal quashed the suspension of Vikash Kumar Vikash and directed his immediate reinstatement with full pay and benefits, also recommending that the same relief be extended to the other suspended officers without requiring them to file separate petitions.
Government Response and Possible Appeal
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that the state government will review the CAT order and consider appealing the decision. The tribunal’s findings have sparked debate over the balance of responsibility between event organizers and law enforcement in managing large public gatherings.
Tribunal’s Broader Observations
- RCB failed to comply with the Licensing and Controlling of Assemblies and Public Procession (Bengaluru City) Order, 2009, by not seeking police approval for the event.
- The police, already deployed for another major event, were not in a position to provide adequate security at short notice.
- A magisterial inquiry and a one-man commission are ongoing to further determine individual accountability.
