In a significant development that could reshape the future of cricket and large-scale events in Bengaluru, the historic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has been deemed unfit for hosting high-attendance events, according to a judicial report led by Justice John Michael D’Cunha. The damning conclusion stems from a tragic incident on June 4, when a stampede broke out during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s victory celebration, leading to the loss of 11 lives and injuring several others.
What was meant to be a joyful occasion for RCB fans turned into a horrifying ordeal, exposing significant flaws in crowd management and infrastructure. The investigation, which followed the incident, examined the stadium’s capacity to handle large-scale gatherings. The report sharply criticised the venue’s design and structural shortcomings, declaring it unsuitable and unsafe for events drawing massive crowds.
The commission pointed out that all entry and exit points directly open onto narrow footpaths without designated queuing or holding zones, which forced attendees to spill onto public roads, obstructing traffic, creating chaos, and leaving the crowd vulnerable to miscreants. The report further emphasised the absence of international safety standards and called for stringent reforms before hosting any future high-attendance events.
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Recommendations included creating purpose-built queuing zones, separate circulation areas away from public roads, sufficient gates for smooth entry and exit, proper emergency evacuation protocols, and adequate integration of parking and transportation.
Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier confirmed that the report would be presented in the State Cabinet meeting on July 24, and the Cabinet has since accepted its findings. As a result, legal proceedings are being initiated against several entities and individuals, including the RCB franchise, DNA Entertainment Networks—the event organiser—and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).
🚨NO IPL GAMES AT CHINNASWAMY IN 2026🚨
Bengaluru Stampede: Panel says no to big events at Chinnaswamy stadium as it’s unsafe for mass gatherings. pic.twitter.com/R7YNjAJjRY
— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) July 24, 2025
The report has also held multiple senior police officers accountable for lapses in security and crowd control. Departmental inquiries have been launched against officers, including Dayananda, Vikash Kumar Vikash, Shekhar H. Tekkannavar, C. Balakrishna, and A. K. Girish.
In addition, the report has called for action against KSCA President Raghuram Bhat, former secretary A. Shanlar, RCB Vice-President Rajesh Menon, and DNA Networks MD T. Venkat Vardhan. These names have been flagged for either negligence or failure to implement sufficient safety measures.
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The Chinnaswamy Stadium, one of India’s most iconic cricket venues, now faces an uncertain future regarding its suitability for large public events. The tragedy has not only triggered a massive rethink on crowd safety but could also prompt sweeping changes in how major cricket celebrations and events are planned in India going forward.
