Bengaluru stampede: Compensation raised to Rs 25 Lakh; KSCA secretary, treasurer resign

NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has announced an increase in compensation for the families of those who died in the tragic stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium to Rs 25 lakh each, up from the earlier Rs 10 lakh. The incident on June 4, during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL victory celebration, claimed 11 lives and injured 56 others.The decision comes as part of the government’s broader response to the tragedy, which has triggered public outrage over mismanagement and a lack of crowd control at the high-profile event.Retired HC judge to lead inquiryThe Karnataka government has constituted a one-man inquiry commission under retired High Court judge John Michael Cunha to investigate the circumstances leading to the stampede. The commission will identify lapses, omissions, and those responsible, and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. As per the government’s directive, the panel is expected to submit its report within 30 days.An official notification dated June 5 confirmed that the commission will function under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, with full powers to summon witnesses and examine evidence under the Civil Procedure Code.KSCA officials resignIn the wake of the tragedy, two top officials of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), secretary A Shankar and treasurer ES Jairam, resigned from their posts on Saturday, taking “moral responsibility” for the stampede.KSCA president Raghuram Bhat said the resignations were accepted during an emergency managing committee meeting. “We are ready to cooperate fully with the government and the high court. We have nothing to hide,” Bhat told reporters.He added that the KSCA would provide all necessary support to the ongoing investigation and emphasised that transparency would be maintained throughout the process.The stampede occurred outside the stadium on the evening of June 4 as thousands gathered for the RCB team’s celebratory event after winning their maiden IPL title. The crowd swelled beyond control, triggering a deadly rush that led to multiple fatalities and injuries.