“We are deeply sorry…”: Karnataka Deputy CM Breaks Down After RCB Celebration Stampede Kills 11

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar could barely contain his emotions as he faced the press on Thursday, his first public appearance since the horrific stampede outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Eleven lives were lost, dozens injured, and what was meant to be a jubilant gathering for Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL victory descended into chaos and mourning.

Shivakumar, wiping away tears mid-sentence, described the tragedy as a "heartbreaking moment for the entire state." The veteran politician, known more for his steely demeanor, struggled to speak as he recalled the chain of events that turned celebration into sorrow.

“We never imagined this… over three lakh people poured in, far beyond the stadium’s 35,000 capacity,” he told reporters, his voice cracking. “Gates were broken, crowds surged. It should not have happened. We are deeply sorry.”

Just a day earlier, he had issued a public apology, now doubled down with a promise: a full investigation and renewed commitment to safety protocols for public events. Shivakumar also pointed fingers at the opposition, accusing the BJP of politicising a human tragedy. “Let’s not make this about politics. Let’s focus on ensuring it never happens again.”

The stampede unfolded as thousands gathered outside the iconic stadium to catch a glimpse of their IPL heroes. Fans, young and old, had come in droves—many lining up hours in advance. But inadequate crowd control, poor infrastructure, and a complete underestimation of turnout created a deadly bottleneck.

In the aftermath, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced ₹10 lakh compensation to each family of the deceased and promised free medical care for all injured. “We owe them that much. And more,” he said in a separate press briefing, pledging structural changes to how public gatherings are handled in future.​