K’taka CM announces Rs 10 L compensation each
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has said that at least 11 people have been killed and over 30 injured in the stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Wednesday as a massive crowed turned up for the celebration event of the RCB's first-ever IPL trophy victory. The government has announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and also ordered a magisterial probe.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the stampede incident near the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in which at least 11 people were killed while over 30 sustained injuries. The incident happened while fans were trying to enter the stadium to participate in the celebration event organised to mark the occasion of RCB winning its first-ever IPL trophy.
Taking to X, the PMO, quoting the Prime Minister, wrote: “The mishap in Bengaluru is absolutely heartrending. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those who are injured have a speedy recovery.”
Meanwhile, speaking at a press conference here, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said: "A big tragedy has happened during the victory celebration. Eleven people have died in the stampede incident, and 33 persons are injured."
"I have visited Bowring and Vaidehi hospitals. This tragedy, occurring during a celebration, saddens me. People have thronged in large numbers, exceeding our expectations. One lakh people gathered in front of Vidhana Soudha. The capacity of Chinnaswamy Stadium is 35,000, but about 2 to 3 lakh people gathered at the stadium," the CM said.
"No one expected this turnout. We had anticipated that the number of people would be slightly more than the stadium's capacity. Among the dead, most are young girls and boys. We are providing Rs 10 lakh compensation for the family of each deceased. The injured will receive free treatment," Siddaramaiah stated.
The doctors have confirmed that all injured persons are out of danger.
"I pray for their souls and their families. I am ordering a magisterial inquiry into the incident, and action will be initiated against those found guilty."
He underlined that this was an unexpected incident and no one foresaw it.
Asked if he was trying to give a clean chit to authorities by labelling the incident as unexpected, CM Siddaramaiah maintained that the media should not ask questions like an 'opposition party'.
"I stated that a large number of people gathered unexpectedly. The magisterial probe will uncover security related and other failures. I have directed them to submit the report within 15 days," he stated.
Commenting on the BJP's attack, CM Siddaramaiah stated he doesn't want to defend his government regarding what has happened. "I don't want to play politics in this. Let us wait for the outcome of the probe," he said.
The stampede took place when thousands of fans attempted to enter the stadium in a hurry from various gates. Police at the scene transported the injured to ambulances and shifted them to the nearby Bowring Hospital. Police stated that the ambulances were unable to move quickly to the hospital due to the overcrowding on the roads.
In a separate incident, one fan, while climbing a gate to jump into the stadium, fell and broke his leg.
Despite the presence of numerous police personnel, they are struggling to control the massive crowd. People are seen climbing trees and sitting on branches to catch a glimpse of the celebration. More details regarding the incident are yet to emerge.
The government of Karnataka had earlier cancelled the victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium, citing security reasons.
Police stated that they have been controlling the celebrating crowds since Tuesday night. Throughout the night, forces have been engaged in managing them and ensuring no untoward incidents occurred.
A huge number of crowds have also thronged the Vidhana Soudha premises to witness the felicitation program by the government. Police had to resort to a mild cane-charge to control the crowd.
Earlier, when the RCB team arrived at the HAL airport here on Wednesday, they were personally welcomed by Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar.
He presented bouquets to each player. Shivakumar especially greeted cricketer Virat Kohli, presenting him with both the RCB team flag and the Kannada flag.
Virat Kohli joyfully received the flags and posed for photographs with the Shivakumar. (IANS)
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