D’Cunha Commission Faults RCB, KSCA, and Police for Victory Parade Stampede
Official Inquiry Blames Poor Planning for Tragic Incident
In a serious blow to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and local authorities, the D’Cunha Commission—tasked with investigating the stampede during RCB’s IPL 2025 victory parade—has delivered a scathing report. The commission held RCB management, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and the Bengaluru Police collectively responsible for the tragedy that killed four fans and injured over 30.
What the Report Says
The D’Cunha Commission’s findings point to “gross mismanagement, lack of coordination, and inadequate crowd control measures.” It noted that the organizers did not anticipate the turnout of over 2 lakh fans, and failed to implement safety protocols, such as designated barricades, emergency exits, and real-time crowd monitoring.
Key Failures Highlighted:
- RCB: Neglected to hire crowd control specialists and failed to work with city officials on risk planning.
- KSCA: Provided no logistical oversight despite co-hosting the celebration.
- Bengaluru Police: Understaffed deployment and delayed emergency response worsened the situation.
Public Reaction and Political Fallout
News of the report has triggered widespread public anger. RCB fans—once euphoric over their team’s maiden IPL win—have taken to social media demanding accountability. Political parties in Karnataka have also weighed in, calling for criminal negligence charges and compensation for victims’ families.
RCB and KSCA Respond
In a joint statement, RCB and KSCA expressed deep regret over the incident and promised to implement the recommendations made by the commission. However, neither organization has accepted direct responsibility as yet, citing procedural gaps and over-reliance on third-party event planners.
Potential Legal and Financial Repercussions
Legal experts believe this report could pave the way for civil lawsuits and potential criminal cases against the entities involved. Additionally, sponsorship partners like Qatar Airways have already withdrawn, and others may follow suit unless corrective actions are swiftly taken.
IPL Celebrations Overshadowed
The stampede has turned a historic celebration into a cautionary tale about poor event management. What should have been a moment of pride for RCB now serves as a reminder of the risks that arise when crowd safety is neglected in high-profile public events.