Bengaluru stampede: Survivors, families of deceased record statement with DC

At least 14 people deposed before the deputy commissioner, accusing the organisers and security personnel of gross negligence.

The survivors and relatives of the deceased of the June 3 stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium appeared before Bengaluru Urban deputy commissioner J Manjunath Jagadeesh on Wednesday, sharing harrowing accounts of the incident and blaming the authorities for what they described as a complete breakdown in crowd control.

Fans stand next to abandoned shoes and a fallen barriers following a stampede during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations on June 4. (AFP)

At least 14 people deposed before the deputy commissioner, accusing the organisers and security personnel of gross negligence. The testimonies, formally recorded as part of the ongoing investigation, revealed disturbing details of how the situation unfolded at the RCB victory celebration.

Syed Abu Jafar, a resident of Austin Town, who sustained injuries to his neck and leg, alleged that while police officers remained passive, the private security personnel used batons on the crowd. “It’s impossible to manage such a huge crowd without a plan. While some with tickets were being allowed to go inside, others were being beaten up by private security. And when we asked for help, no one responded,” he said.

Jafar recalled falling near Gate 21 and being trampled by the surging crowd. “I was in pain for over two-and-a-half hours before I could walk up to Cubbon Park Circle, get an auto and admit myself to a private hospital on Vittal Mallya Road,” he said. He was admitted for two days before getting discharged.

Among those who met the DC was Veerabahu, a relative of Kamatchi MR (29), a resident of Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu, who lost her life in the stampede. Veerabahu confirmed that the family received compensation from the Karnataka government.

Monish Gowda, a civil engineer who also sustained injuries, said confusion erupted after an announcement about free entry was made over loudspeakers, which triggered a rush toward Gate 21. “I had no idea about the stampede until 5.20 pm. My phone had no network. Later my father called and warned me. As I tried to exit, I tripped over a barricade and suffered minor injuries,” he said. Gowda said he was treated at a private hospital on Millers Road and discharged the same night at 11.30 pm.

The DC’s office confirmed that all testimonies will be compiled for further action and that the district health officer has been directed to ensure free medical care for all those injured in the incident.